North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a medication error?

1. Administering the wrong dosage

2. Giving a medication that was not prescribed

3. Refusal of a medication by a resident

4. Mislabeling a medication

The correct answer is: Refusal of a medication by a resident

Refusal of a medication by a resident is not considered a medication error because it involves the patient's right to choose whether or not to take medication. In healthcare, residents have the autonomy to refuse treatment, including medications, after being informed of the implications of their choice. This decision is typically documented to ensure that the healthcare team is aware of the resident's wishes and does not administer the medication against their will. In contrast, actions such as administering the wrong dosage, giving unprescribed medication, or mislabeling a medication are all clear errors that can lead to significant harm or negative health outcomes for the patient, as they compromise the safety and efficacy of the medication administration process. These are considered breaches of medical protocol and can have serious consequences, whereas refusal reflects a patient's personal rights and informed decision-making.