How can a Medication Aide ensure they are administering the correct medication?

Verifying the five rights against the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is essential for ensuring the correct medication is administered. The five rights include the right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. By thoroughly checking each of these aspects against the MAR, a Medication Aide can confirm they are providing the appropriate medication as prescribed, minimizing the risk of errors that could arise from misadministration.

While checking the medication expiration date is important for safety, it does not confirm if the correct medication is being given. Asking the patient about their last dosage can provide helpful information, but it is not a reliable method to verify correctness, as patients may not remember accurately. Comparing with a pharmacy receipt may not be feasible or practical in a clinical setting, and it does not ensure that the right medication is prepared for administration at that moment. Thus, verifying the five rights with the MAR remains the most comprehensive method to ensure accurate medication administration.