Drug Orders

Question 1

The drug order consists of seven essential components:

Answer 1

1. Name of the patient
2. Name of the drug
3. Dose of the drug
4. Route of administration
5. Frequency, time, and special instructions
6. Date and time when the order was written
7. Signature of the prescriber

Question 2

What if one of the 7 components of a drug order is missing or unclear?

Answer 2

The nurse must obtain clarification of the order from the prescriber before administering

Question 3

What are the RIGHTS of safe medication administration?

Answer 3

• Right patient
• Right drug
• Right Reason
• Right amount
• Right route
• Right site
• Right time and frequency
• Right to refuse
• Right education
• Right documentation

Question 4

The medication order must contain the following in this sequence:

Answer 4

1. Drug name
2. Dosage
3. Route
4. Time and Frequency