Medication Administration Checklist

Medication Information

Date & Time

Patient Name / MRN

Medication Name

Prescribed Dose

Route of Administration

Scheduled Time

The 10 Rights of Medication Administration

Instructions: Verify each "right" before administering the medication. Check off each one as you complete the verification.

1. RIGHT PATIENT

Verify patient identity using two identifiers (name + DOB/MRN)

Check patient armband and ask patient to state their name

Do NOT rely solely on room number for patient identification

Patient Identifiers Verified

2. RIGHT MEDICATION

Verify medication name matches prescription order

Check label THREE times: when removing from cabinet, when preparing, when returning

Check expiration date - do NOT give expired medication

Verify medication appearance is normal (no discoloration, cloudiness, or particles for liquid meds)

Medication Appearance & Expiration

3. RIGHT DOSE

Verify dose matches the prescription order

Check calculations twice if dose needed to be calculated

Verify dose is appropriate for patient age/weight/condition

Question any unusual or unexpected doses - ask before giving

Dose Verified & Calculation Check

4. RIGHT ROUTE

Verify route is appropriate for this medication type

Verify route matches the prescription order

Verify patient is able to receive medication by this route (e.g., not NPO for PO)

Route Verified

5. RIGHT TIME

Verify administration time matches order (within 30-60 minute window acceptable)

Check for timing considerations (with food, empty stomach, spacing from other meds)

Verify last dose if medication has minimum dosing intervals

Time & Timing Considerations Verified

6. RIGHT DOCUMENTATION

Document IMMEDIATELY after administration (do not wait)

Record medication name, dose, route, date, time, and your initials

Record patient response or any unusual reactions

If medication refused or held, document reason clearly

7. RIGHT REASON

Understand WHY patient is receiving this medication

Verify indication matches patient's current condition/diagnosis

Verify medication is still clinically appropriate for this patient

Medication Indication / Reason for Administration

8. RIGHT RESPONSE

Evaluate desired effect after appropriate time has passed

Monitor for side effects and adverse reactions

Document patient response (effectiveness, side effects, adverse reactions)

Report any concerning responses to healthcare provider

9. RIGHT TECHNIQUE

Use appropriate administration technique for route

Use sterile technique for injections or IV medications

Follow manufacturer guidelines for medication preparation and administration

Document site for injections/IV administration

10. RIGHT COMMUNICATION

Ask patient about known allergies before administering

Inform patient what medication is being given and why

Answer patient questions and address concerns

Listen to patient concerns - take seriously if patient reports worry or hesitation

Additional Safety Checks

Instructions: Complete these critical safety checks BEFORE administering any medication.

Pre-Administration Safety Checklist

Check for ALLERGIES - verify none to medication, class, or additives

Check for DRUG INTERACTIONS with current medications

Check for CONTRAINDICATIONS (liver/kidney dysfunction, pregnancy, etc.)

Verify patient NPO status if relevant to medication route

Check vital signs if medication requires monitoring (antihypertensives, etc.)

Check recent lab values if relevant (INR, glucose, electrolytes, renal/liver function)

Verify IV patency and appropriate IV site for IV medications

Verify all needed equipment is available and functioning

Immediately Before Administering

Final Checks

Perform hand hygiene

Ensure patient privacy

Position patient appropriately for medication administration

Ensure patient comfort and any needed assistance

Explain what you're doing and answer questions

After Medication Administration

Post-Administration Steps

DOCUMENT immediately (date, time, dose, route, site if applicable)

Monitor patient for desired effect and side effects per facility protocol

Report any unexpected or adverse effects to provider immediately

Provide patient education (expected effects, side effects to report, precautions)

Ensure patient comfort and reposition as needed

Medication Administration Record

Date/Time	Medication & Dose	Route	Site	Patient Response	RN Initials

If Medication Error Occurs

CRITICAL: If you make an error in medication administration (wrong patient, wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong route, wrong time):

STOP immediately
Assess patient for any adverse effects
REPORT to your instructor/charge nurse IMMEDIATELY
REPORT to the healthcare provider IMMEDIATELY
DOCUMENT the error and actions taken accurately in patient chart
Follow facility error reporting procedures
Never hide or try to cover up medication errors

Documentation

Student Signature / Date

Instructor Signature / Date (Optional)

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION CHECKLIST