Which of the following is true about medication errors?

Medication errors refer to mistakes in the process of prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that can compromise patient safety. The assertion that medication errors can involve wrong resident, wrong time, and similar errors is accurate because these are common categories where mistakes can occur. For instance, administering medication to the wrong resident can lead to serious health consequences, as can giving a dose at the incorrect time. Such errors highlight the importance of strict protocols and thorough checks in medication administration to ensure the safety of patients.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of medication errors. For example, medication errors can occur with both prescription and over-the-counter medications, making the claim that they only occur with prescription drugs inaccurate. Additionally, all medication errors require reporting to ensure accountability and to enhance patient safety through corrective measures and future prevention, contradicting the idea that they do not require reporting. Finally, medication errors have significant implications for patient safety and can lead to adverse health outcomes, making the assertion that they rarely impact patient safety false.