Which of the following is considered a medication error?

The administration of the wrong dosage is considered a medication error because it poses a direct risk to the patient's health and safety. Medication errors can lead to adverse drug reactions, ineffective treatment, or potential overdose or underdose, all of which can have serious consequences for the patient. Proper medication administration involves accuracy in dosing, timing, and the specific medication being given.

In contrast to medication errors, creating a medication administration schedule is a task that ensures proper timing and organization of medication intake; following a doctor's orders is essential for ensuring that care is delivered as prescribed; and regularly monitoring vital signs is an important practice that helps in assessing the patient's response to medications and overall health status. These actions are integral to safe and effective patient care, whereas administering the wrong dosage directly compromises patient safety.