Which statement about medication errors is false?

A medication error is defined as a preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. It encompasses a range of circumstances including those where no actual harm to the patient occurs. This means that even if a medication error is made and does not result in any adverse effects, it is still considered an error. Recognizing that errors can happen without causing harm underscores the importance of monitoring and improving medication safety protocols.

The other statements accurately reflect the nature of medication errors: they can occur at any point of care, which includes prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring. They also acknowledge that all healthcare providers, regardless of their role or experience, can be involved in medication errors, highlighting the widespread vulnerability in the medication-use process.