Which item is sometimes considered an additional 'right' in medication administration?

Which item is sometimes considered an additional 'right' in medication administration?

• A. Right patient
• B. Right route
• C. Right dose
• D. Right documentation

Answer: (D)

Medication safety often includes a sixth right—documentation. Documenting every medication administration creates a permanent record of what was given, at what dose, by what route, at what time, and by whom, as well as noting any changes, omissions, or refusals. This trail helps prevent errors such as double dosing, confirms that the patient actually received the medication, and supports clear communication among the care team. It also provides legal and quality-improvement value by ensuring accountability and continuity of care. The other items listed (patient, route, dose) are fundamental rights of administration; documentation is the extra safeguard that is sometimes added to complete the safety picture.

Medication safety often includes a sixth right—documentation. Documenting every medication administration creates a permanent record of what was given, at what dose, by what route, at what time, and by whom, as well as noting any changes, omissions, or refusals. This trail helps prevent errors such as double dosing, confirms that the patient actually received the medication, and supports clear communication among the care team. It also provides legal and quality-improvement value by ensuring accountability and continuity of care. The other items listed (patient, route, dose) are fundamental rights of administration; documentation is the extra safeguard that is sometimes added to complete the safety picture.