Massachusetts MAP Certification Practice Test

When do you administer a medication according to normal procedures?

1. When the patient feels ready

2. When you have adequate supplies

3. When you are sure the five rights agree

4. When it is convenient for the schedule

The correct answer is: When you are sure the five rights agree

Administering medication according to normal procedures requires strict adherence to the five rights of medication administration: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. Ensuring that these five rights agree is crucial for the safety and well-being of the patient. This process helps to prevent errors that can lead to adverse reactions or ineffective treatment. While the other choices may touch on important aspects of medication administration, they do not guarantee the safety and effectiveness that come from compliance with the five rights. For instance, a patient feeling ready does not ensure that they are receiving the right medication or the appropriate dosage. Having adequate supplies is necessary, but it does not address the correctness of the medication being administered. Similarly, while convenience may be an operational consideration, it should never take precedence over patient safety and the proper protocols established for medication administration. Thus, the focus on the five rights as a prerequisite is fundamental to safe nursing practice.