Which statement regarding medications is false?

A valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is a critical component in veterinary medicine, as it establishes a legal and ethical framework for the administration of medications. This relationship ensures that the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal's health and has performed an appropriate examination before prescribing any medications.

In contrast, when there is no valid VCPR, the veterinarian lacks the necessary insight into the animal's specific health needs and cannot responsibly prescribe medications. This principle is fundamental to safeguarding animal welfare and ensuring proper medical care. Therefore, the notion that a valid VCPR is not needed when prescribing medications is false, making it the incorrect statement in this context.

Other statements regarding medication highlight the importance of this relationship and establish that even over-the-counter medications, while not requiring a prescription, still benefit from a veterinarian's guidance to ensure they are suitable for the specific animal in care. Thus, recognizing the role of VCPR is vital to ethical veterinary practice.