Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What do the "five 'rights'" refer to in medication safety?

1. The correct patient, drug, route, dosage, and time

2. The necessary approvals for drug use

3. The rights of healthcare providers during administration

4. The components of a medication history document

The correct answer is: The correct patient, drug, route, dosage, and time

The five 'rights' in medication safety are a set of guidelines designed to ensure that patients receive the correct medication safely and effectively. Specifically, they refer to administering the correct patient, drug, route, dosage, and time. This framework helps healthcare providers minimize the risk of medication errors, which can lead to adverse effects and compromised patient safety. Understanding the five 'rights' as a tool for safeguarding medication administration is essential in healthcare settings. Each component plays a pivotal role; for instance, confirming the identity of the patient is critical to avoid administering medication to the wrong individual. Similarly, the correct drug and dosage ensure that patients receive the intended therapy without dosage errors that could cause harm. The appropriate route of administration is also vital as it can affect the medication's efficacy, and administering at the right time helps maintain therapeutic levels within the body. This systematic approach enhances patient safety and encourages accountability among healthcare professionals involved in medication administration. The other options, while related to medication management and safety to some extent, do not represent the specific framework that addresses the direct act of administering medication to patients.