What can be considered as administering medication incorrectly?

Administering medication to the wrong individual is a clear example of medication administration error. This action can lead to serious adverse effects, as the medication may not be appropriate for that person’s condition, weight, allergies, or current medications. Proper medication administration requires that the medication is given to the correct patient, which is a fundamental principle of safe medication administration practices. Ensuring that the right individual receives their prescribed medications helps to maintain safety and efficacy in treatment, reduces the risk of complications, and upholds the trust and responsibility necessary in healthcare settings. In contrast, the other options focus on best practices related to timing, documentation, and preparation, which do not directly relate to an error in administering medication.