FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

What type of error occurs when a medication is not administered?

1. Error of omission

2. Error of commission

3. System error

4. Duplicate error

The correct answer is: Error of omission

The scenario described fits the definition of an error of omission, which occurs when a necessary action is not taken. In the context of medication administration, this specifically refers to a situation where a medication that should have been given is not administered to the patient. This concept is fundamental in healthcare because it highlights the importance of following protocols and ensuring that patients receive all required medications at the correct times. It emphasizes the responsibility of healthcare professionals to actively provide care rather than simply avoiding mistakes. Other types of errors mentioned, such as errors of commission, involve an incorrect action being taken, while a system error relates to flaws in processes or systems rather than individual actions. Duplicate errors concern the same medication being prescribed or administered multiple times, which is a different category of mistake altogether. Hence, recognizing an error of omission is crucial for patient safety and effective medication management.