Which of the following would be considered an immediate threat to patient health?

Substandard care is considered an immediate threat to patient health because it directly compromises the quality of care that patients receive. This encompasses situations where medical treatment, procedures, or support services fall below established standards, potentially leading to harm, deterioration of health, or adverse outcomes. When care is substandard, it can result in serious consequences, such as misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, or failure to prevent complications, all of which pose significant risks to patient safety and wellbeing.

In contrast, other options such as a pattern of minor violations, administrative errors, and minor deficiencies may not immediately jeopardize health in the same direct way. While these issues can contribute to systemic weaknesses in a care facility or practice, they generally do not represent an immediate danger to patients when considered individually or without additional context.