What is the fastest route for medication administration?

The correct answer is: a. Right route, c. Right dose, d. Right person, e. Right documentation, f. Right medication.

Choice A: Right route

The right route ensures that the medication is administered via the correct method, such as oral, intravenous, or intramuscular. This is crucial because different routes can affect the medication’s absorption and effectiveness. Administering medication via the wrong route can lead to ineffective treatment or even harm the patient.

Choice B: Right to refuse

While patients do have the right to refuse medication, this is not one of the five main rights of medication administration. The five main rights focus on the correct administration process to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

Choice C: Right dose

The right dose ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of medication. Administering too much or too little can lead to adverse effects or ineffective treatment. This right involves verifying the prescribed dose and measuring it accurately.

Choice D: Right person

The right person ensures that the medication is given to the correct patient. This is typically verified using two identifyers, such as the patient’s name and date of birth, to prevent medication errors.

Choice E: Right documentation

The right documentation involves accurately recording the administration of the medication. This includes noting the time, dose, route, and any observations. Proper documentation is essential for maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring continuity of care.

Choice F: Right medication

The right medication ensures that the correct drug is given to the patient. This involves checking the medication label against the doctor’s order to prevent errors. Administering the wrong medication can have serious consequences.

Choice A reason: Monitor the patient for addiction is not a necessary measure for the nurse to take when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Codeine is a Schedule V medication, which means that it has a low potential for abuse and dependence compared to other opioids. The nurse should follow the prescriber's order and the label instructions and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. The nurse should also assess the patient's pain level, respiratory status, and cough frequency and severity.

Choice B reason: Advise the patient that the medication helps to thin out their secretions is an incorrect statement for the nurse to make when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Codeine does not affect the viscosity or production of the mucus in the airways, but rather reduces the urge to cough. The nurse should advise the patient to drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, or use saline nasal spray to help loosen and clear the secretions.

Choice C reason: Advise the patient to minimize intake of beets is not a relevant measure for the nurse to take when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Beets are a vegetable that are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nitrates, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Beets do not interact with codeine or affect its metabolism or clearance. The nurse should encourage the patient to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, unless they have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Choice D reason: Advise the patient that constipation is an adverse effect of the medication is the correct and appropriate measure for the nurse to take when administering codeine cough syrup, which is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain¹. Codeine can also act on the opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce the peristalsis and cause constipation. The nurse should advise the patient to prevent or treat constipation by increasing their fluid and fiber intake, exercising regularly, and using laxatives or stool softeners as needed.