Practice Question
A nurse pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor negligence charge in the case of a 65-year-old patient who died after slipping into a coma during routine abdominal surgery. The nurse failed to follow the established vital sign monitoring protocol during the procedure. Prior to the procedure, the patient was a vibrant healthy woman. The surgeon called the nurse's actions negligent. What criteria must be established to prove that the nurse is guilty of malpractice or negligence in this case?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
The nurse had a duty to monitor the patient's vital signs and due to her failure to do so, the patient died.
Rationale:
🌿To prove negligence or malpractice, four legal elements must be established:
1️⃣ Duty — The nurse owed a duty of care (to monitor vital signs).
2️⃣ Breach of duty — The nurse failed to meet that duty.
3️⃣ Causation — The breach directly caused harm.
4️⃣ Damages — The patient suffered injury or death.
🌿In this case, the nurse breached her duty by not following vital sign protocols, which directly led to the client’s death.
🌿The nurse’s intent is not required; negligence involves failure to meet the standard of care, not willful harm.
🌿Documentation and adherence to institutional policy are vital to prevent such outcomes.
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This question is from Examplify NR 215 ABSN Final Exam FA 2025 A1 which contains 38 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Fundamentals
- Answer Choices: 4