Medication Administration

What are the rights of medication administration?

The classic teaching framework lists five rights: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right route and the right time. Many programs add further checks, such as the right documentation and checking allergies before anything is given. The rights are a final safety check at the bedside, on top of the prescription check that happens earlier.

What is the difference between intramuscular and subcutaneous injections?

An intramuscular (IM) injection delivers medication into a muscle, where a rich blood supply absorbs it relatively quickly. A subcutaneous injection delivers a smaller volume into the fatty tissue just under the skin, where absorption is slower and steadier. The route is chosen by the prescriber based on the medication, its volume and how it is absorbed.

What should be checked before drawing up medication from an ampoule?

Check the medication name, strength and expiry date against the prescription, and inspect the ampoule for cracks and the liquid for particles or discoloration. The neck is cleaned before it is snapped open, and the dose is drawn up and checked before the needle is changed or the medication is taken to the patient, following local protocol.