What does the term "inappropriate prescribing" refer to?

The term "inappropriate prescribing" encompasses practices that do not align with established guidelines or that compromise patient safety. It specifically refers to the use of medications in ways that may not be clinically justified.

Using antibiotics for viral infections is an example of inappropriate prescribing because antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Prescribing them unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance, adverse effects, and increased healthcare costs.

Additionally, prescribing multiple medications without a clear need can be problematic as it increases the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and may complicate the patient’s treatment regimen without providing any added therapeutic benefit.

Combining these two aspects—prescribing antibiotics for non-bacterial infections and overly complex medication regimens—accurately captures the essence of inappropriate prescribing, making the option that includes both scenarios the correct choice.