What is a "medication error"?

A "medication error" is defined as a preventable event that may lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. This definition encompasses a broad range of potential mistakes that can occur in the prescribing, dispensing, or administering of medications.

Recognizing that medication errors are preventable highlights the importance of systems in place designed to minimize the risk of such events. This can include proper training, adherence to guidelines, and implementing checks and balances in the medication management process. The focus is on the intention to prevent harm, making this definition quite comprehensive since it encompasses not just the end result (harm) but also the various ways in which an error can manifest before reaching that point.

In contrast, other options focus on specific scenarios, such as dispensing a medication late, administering the wrong dosage, or failing to follow prescription instructions. While these situations could stem from a medication error, they do not capture the broader scope of what constitutes a medication error as defined by relevant regulations and standards in pharmacy practice. Therefore, the comprehensive nature of the first choice clearly aligns with the established definition and understanding of medication errors in the field of pharmacy.