What is a potential risk of misfiling prescriptions?

Miscalculating or misfiling prescriptions can lead to the wrong medication being given to patients, which poses significant health risks. When prescriptions are not filed correctly, a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician may inadvertently dispense a medication intended for another patient. This can lead to a variety of dangerous consequences, including adverse drug reactions, ineffective treatment, or worsening of the patient's condition. It underscores the critical importance of accurate record-keeping and filing in the pharmacy setting to ensure patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Other potential risks associated with misfiling prescriptions, such as longer wait times, higher costs for the pharmacy, and increased inventory issues, do not directly affect patient safety in the same way that dispensing the wrong medication does. Ensuring correct filing practices helps to mitigate these risks and maintain an efficient and safe pharmacy operation.