What term describes not giving a medication dose as ordered?

• A. Wrong Dosage
• B. Unordered Drug
• C. Extra Dose
• D. Omission

Answer: (D)

Not giving a medication dose as ordered is an omission. An omission means the prescribed dose was not given at the scheduled time, or not given at all, which can delay treatment and affect the patient’s outcome. This is different from giving a dose in the wrong amount (wrong dosage), giving a drug that isn’t on the order (unordered drug), or giving an extra dose beyond what was prescribed (extra dose). For example, if the order calls for 5 mg now and no dose is given, that’s an omission; giving 10 mg instead would be a wrong dosage, giving a drug not on the order would be an unordered drug, and giving an additional dose beyond the schedule would be an extra dose.