Which is the correct procedure when administering medications?

Medication errors are a leading cause of preventable harm in healthcare. The 'Rights of Medication Administration' (originally 5, expanded to 6-10 depending on source) provide a verification framework: (1) RIGHT PATIENT — two identifiers (name + DOB, name + MRN); never use room number; ask client to state name; check armband; (2) RIGHT MEDICATION — compare order, label, MAR (medication administration record); check three times: when removing from storage, when preparing, before administering; (3) RIGHT DOSE — verify calculation; high-alert medications (heparin, insulin, narcotics, chemo) require independent double-check; (4) RIGHT ROUTE — oral, IV, IM, SC, topical, inhaled, etc.; (5) RIGHT TIME — within 30 min of scheduled time generally; STAT immediately; PRN per orders; (6) RIGHT DOCUMENTATION — chart immediately after administration, not before; include time, route, site (for injectables), patient response; (7) RIGHT REASON — appropriate for client's condition; (8) RIGHT RESPONSE — assess for therapeutic and adverse effects; (9) RIGHT TO REFUSE — respect client autonomy; (10) RIGHT EDUCATION — client understands purpose, side effects, when to report problems. Additional safety checks: verify allergies before EVERY dose; check expiration dates; assess for contraindications (renal function, pregnancy, drug interactions); high-alert medications require special protocols; never crush extended-release or enteric-coated medications; verify NG/G-tube placement before instillation; flush tubes before/after meds. Common errors: wrong patient (failure to use 2 identifiers); look-alike/sound-alike medications; dose calculation errors; route confusion; timing of insulin/glucose-management drugs; failure to check labs (e.g., potassium before giving certain meds, INR before warfarin). When in doubt: STOP and verify. Never give a medication you're uncertain about.