Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

If you fail to meet the standard of care, it is categorized as:

1. Negligence

2. Intentional harm

3. Malpractice

4. Incompetence

The correct answer is: Negligence

When the standard of care is not met, it is categorized as negligence. In healthcare, negligence refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something or the omission of duty that results in harm to a patient. It is essential to understand that negligence occurs when the actions of a healthcare provider fall below the accepted standard of care, leading to an adverse outcome. This involves a breach of duty where the healthcare provider fails to adhere to professional guidelines, protocols, or ethical standards expected in their field. In this context, negligence is a civil tort that can lead to legal liability, meaning that if a patient is harmed due to such failure, they may seek legal recourse. Unlike intentional harm, which implies a deliberate act to cause harm, negligence does not involve intent. Malpractice is more specific and usually involves professional negligence by a healthcare provider acting in a manner that deviates from the standard care practices. Incompetence refers to the lack of ability, knowledge, or qualification to perform a specific task but does not directly address the failure to meet care standards as negligence does. Hence, while negligence is a broader term applicable to various professions, it is specifically framed around the failure to meet care standards in a healthcare setting.