What should the "right dose" principle involve?

The concept of the "right dose" principle is centered around administering the exact prescribed amount of medication to ensure the patient's safety and effectiveness of treatment. Medications are developed with specific dosages that are determined through extensive research and clinical trials, aimed at achieving therapeutic effects while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Therefore, adhering to the exact prescribed amount is crucial in maintaining the standard of care and ensuring that the patient receives the intended benefits of the medication without underdosing or overdosing, both of which can lead to inadequate treatment or harmful side effects.

In this context, estimating a dose or solely following manufacturer's instructions may not take into account the individual patient's specific needs, health conditions, and responses to medication, which are critical in determining the appropriate dosage. Similarly, reducing a dose for elderly patients without proper evaluation can disregard necessary aspects of individualized patient care. Hence, the emphasis remains on the accurate administration of the prescribed dose as a key component of safe medication administration practices.