Which of the following is considered unauthorized in medication practices?

The choice indicating "non-licensed order taking" is seen as unauthorized in medication practices because it involves individuals who are not legally permitted to take or transcribe medication orders. In medication administration, specific roles are defined by state regulations and medical statutes, ensuring that only qualified professionals, such as licensed nurses or pharmacists, engage in this critical aspect of patient care.

This measure is essential to maintaining patient safety, as those who are not trained may lack the necessary knowledge to understand or accurately interpret complex medical directives. Consequently, allowing non-licensed individuals to take medication orders could lead to errors in administering medications, misunderstanding patient needs, or failing to recognize potential adverse interactions. Thus, this prohibition is in place to uphold the integrity of the healthcare system and protect patients from harm.

In contrast, requiring a prescription, following dosage guidelines, and obtaining patient consent are all established practices that ensure medications are given safely and ethically, highlighting the importance of regulation and oversight in medication administration.