What are the potential consequences of not following the "Five Rights" in medication administration?

Not adhering to the "Five Rights" in medication administration can result in significant medication errors that may lead to harm. The "Five Rights" typically refer to ensuring the right patient receives the right medication in the right dose via the right route at the right time. Failing to follow these protocols can cause a variety of adverse outcomes, including incorrect dosages that might lead to under-treatment or overdose, administration of the wrong medication that can exacerbate a patient's condition, or giving medication at an inappropriate time that could interfere with other treatments or the patient's overall health.

For instance, if the wrong medication is administered, it may interact negatively with other medications the patient is taking, potentially resulting in serious side effects or complications. Conversely, not providing medication at the correct time can disrupt a patient's treatment regimen, leading to ineffective management of their condition. Therefore, recognizing and adhering to these guidelines is critical for patient safety and well-being, making option B the accurate choice regarding the consequences of neglecting these principles.