Which of the following is an example of a medication error?

The scenario of dispensing the incorrect dosage of a prescribed medication is a clear example of a medication error. This type of error directly impacts patient safety and treatment efficacy. Dosage is critical in medication administration, as both underdosing and overdosing can lead to ineffective treatment or serious adverse effects. When a pharmacy technician or pharmacist dispenses a medication at the wrong dosage, it reflects a failure in the medication management process and can have serious implications for the patient's health.

In this case, the healthcare provider relies on the pharmacy to dispense the correct medication at the correct dosage to ensure the intended outcome of therapy is achieved safely. Errors in dosage can stem from various factors, including misunderstanding the prescription, miscalculating dosages, or failing to adhere to standard protocols for medication dispensing.

Understanding the importance of precise dosage reinforces the need for thorough checks and balances within the pharmacy practice to minimize the risk of medication errors that could jeopardize a patient's well-being.