What must be done if any of the 5 rights of medication administration are violated?

When any of the 5 rights of medication administration—which include the right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time—are violated, the appropriate course of action is to hold the medication and assess the situation. This is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Administering the medication without correcting the error could lead to harm, adverse effects, or ineffective treatment.

Conducting an assessment allows the caregiver to determine the nature of the violation and decide on the best course of action. This step emphasizes the importance of patient safety and adheres to the ethical and legal standards of medication administration.

Taking any action without first holding the medication and fully assessing the situation could lead to negative outcomes, highlighting why this response is essential in ensuring that patient care remains the priority.