What is one of the "five rights" of drug administration that should always be followed?

The "five rights" of drug administration serve as a fundamental guideline to ensure patient safety and effective medication delivery. One of these rights is "Right medication," which emphasizes the critical importance of confirming that the correct medication is provided to the patient. This is essential in preventing medication errors that could lead to adverse reactions or ineffective treatment.

Ensuring the "Right medication" involves verifying the patient's prescription against the medication being administered. This step is vital, as errors in medication selection can occur due to similar drug names, packaging, or indications. Administering the wrong medication can have serious implications for patient health.

The other rights—such as the right route, right dose, and right time—are also important components of safe medication administration. However, without first ensuring that the correct medication is selected, the subsequent rights lose their significance. Therefore, maintaining vigilance regarding the "Right medication" is paramount in any healthcare setting.