Which of the following best describes a prescribing error?

A prescribing error is best defined as an event that leads to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. In this context, issuing an illegible prescription or ordering the wrong medication directly impacts patient safety and the efficacy of the treatment plan. It can result in a patient receiving the incorrect medication, which may not treat their condition or could even cause harm due to adverse drug reactions or interactions.

Choosing other options does not capture the essence of a prescribing error as effectively. Failing to provide a prescription to a patient may delay treatment, but it does not misdirect the medication itself. Not following up with a patient is critical for ongoing care but relates more to patient management rather than the specifics of prescribing. Providing too much information on a prescription, while potentially confusing, does not constitute a direct error in the prescribing process; it might be excessive but does not endanger patient safety directly like an illegible prescription or a wrong medication would. Thus, option B accurately reflects a situation that qualifies as a prescribing error by indicating a failure in the accurate communication and selection of medication.