A patient presents the following prescription: Pred Forte ophthalmic drops, Instill 1 drop in both eyes q.i.d., Disp. 1 bottle. If loteprednol ophthalmic drops are selected during order entry, which type of error would occur?

Rationale

Wrong drug

If loteprednol ophthalmic drops are selected instead of Pred Forte (prednisolone ophthalmic drops) during order entry, this represents a wrong drug error. Although both medications are corticosteroid eye drops, they are different drugs with different formulations and potencies, and substituting one for the other without authorization is considered a medication error.

A (Adherence) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. Adherence refers to whether a patient follows their prescribed medication regimen, not an error made during order entry or dispensing.

B (Wrong drug) CORRECT

This is correct. Selecting loteprednol instead of prednisolone represents dispensing or entering a different medication than prescribed, which is classified as a wrong drug error.

C (Contraindication) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. A contraindication refers to a situation where a drug should not be used due to potential harm (e.g., allergies or medical conditions), not a selection error.

D (High-alert) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. High-alert medications are those that carry a higher risk of causing significant harm if used incorrectly, but this scenario specifically describes a selection error, not a classification of the drug.

Conclusion

Selecting a different medication than the one prescribed is a classic example of a wrong drug error. Even if the drugs are similar in class, such substitutions must be verified to ensure patient safety and proper therapy.

A patient presents the following prescription: Pred Forte ophthalmic drops, Instill 1 drop in both eyes q.i.d., Disp. 1 bottle. If loteprednol ophthalmic drops are selected during order entry, which type of error would occur?

Wrong drug

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