What type of error may result in a patient receiving medication intended for someone else?

A dispensing error occurs when a patient receives the wrong medication, which can happen if a similar-sounding or looking medication is mistakenly selected or if there is confusion in the labeling process. In most healthcare settings, numerous prescriptions are processed daily, and lapses in attention, miscommunication, or technical issues can lead to a situation where a pharmacist dispenses the wrong medication intended for another patient.

Understanding this type of error emphasizes the importance of accuracy and double-checking in pharmacy practices to ensure that patients receive the correct medications as prescribed. Other error types, while significant, do not directly pertain to the scenario of a patient receiving someone else's medication in the same manner as a dispensing error.