Medication errors are one of the most common and dangerous mistakes in healthcare. That’s why nurses follow a simple but powerful safety rule known as the 6 Rights of Medication Administration.
This guide explains each right clearly, with practical tips to help nursing students and nurses deliver medications safely and confidently.
What Are the 6 Rights of Medication Administration?
The 6 Rights are safety checks nurses perform before giving any medication. They help ensure that the correct medication reaches the correct patient in the correct way.
The six rights are:
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Right Patient
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Right Medication
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Right Dose
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Right Route
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Right Time
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Right Documentation
1️⃣ Right Patient
Always confirm that you are giving the medication to the correct patient.
Best practices:
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Check two patient identifiers (name, date of birth, or ID band)
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Never rely only on room number
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Ask the patient to state their name if possible
Giving medication to the wrong patient can lead to serious harm.
2️⃣ Right Medication
Ensure the medication you are giving is exactly what was prescribed.
Nursing tips:
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Compare the medication label with the medication order
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Watch for look-alike or sound-alike drugs
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Be cautious with high-alert medications
If something looks unfamiliar, always double-check.
3️⃣ Right Dose
Giving the correct dose is critical for patient safety.
Key points:
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Calculate doses carefully
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Double-check calculations for pediatrics and IV meds
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Know maximum and minimum safe doses
When unsure, always ask or verify before administering.
4️⃣ Right Route
Medications must be given through the correct route.
Common routes include:
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Oral (PO)
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Intravenous (IV)
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Intramuscular (IM)
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Subcutaneous (SC)
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Topical
Never change the route without a provider’s order.
5️⃣ Right Time
Medications must be administered at the correct time to be effective.
Important reminders:
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Follow prescribed schedules
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Know which meds are time-critical
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Consider food interactions and lab timing
Late or early administration can reduce effectiveness or cause harm.
6️⃣ Right Documentation
Documentation completes the medication process.
Always document:
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Medication name
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Dose and route
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Time given
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Patient response
Never document before giving the medication.
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Why the 6 Rights Matter in Nursing
Following the 6 Rights helps nurses:
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Prevent medication errors
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Protect patient safety
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Maintain professional accountability
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Meet legal and ethical standards
They are essential in hospitals, clinics, and exam settings.
Common Medication Administration Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors:
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Skipping patient identification
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Rushing dose calculations
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Not documenting immediately
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Ignoring patient allergies
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Failing to reassess after administration
Slow down and follow the rights every time.
The 6 Rights in Nursing Exams
The 6 Rights are heavily tested in:
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Nursing school exams
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Clinical evaluations
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NCLEX-style questions
Understanding them clearly makes exam questions much easier.
Final Thoughts
The 6 Rights of Medication Administration are the foundation of safe nursing practice. By consistently applying them, nurses protect their patients, their license, and their professional integrity.
Safe medication administration starts with knowledge and attention to detail.
🔒 Educational Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical training.
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