Which action constitutes negligence?

Which action constitutes negligence?

• A. Forgetting to set the bed alarm
• B. Administering the correct medication
• C. Providing patient education
• D. Recording vital signs accurately

Answer: (A)

Negligence in nursing means failing to meet the standard of care a reasonably prudent nurse would provide, resulting in harm or risk of harm to a patient. Forgetting to set a bed alarm when a patient is at risk for falls is a lapse in safety practice that can breach this standard. Bed alarms are a protective measure designed to prevent falls; not using one when indicated could lead to injury and is considered a breach of duty. The other actions shown are appropriate and align with expected standards of care: administering the correct medication ensures safety and efficacy, providing patient education supports informed consent and engagement, and recording vital signs accurately ensures proper monitoring and communication. Thus, not using a required safety device reflects negligence because it represents a failure to meet the standard of care and creates foreseeable harm.

Negligence in nursing means failing to meet the standard of care a reasonably prudent nurse would provide, resulting in harm or risk of harm to a patient. Forgetting to set a bed alarm when a patient is at risk for falls is a lapse in safety practice that can breach this standard. Bed alarms are a protective measure designed to prevent falls; not using one when indicated could lead to injury and is considered a breach of duty. The other actions shown are appropriate and align with expected standards of care: administering the correct medication ensures safety and efficacy, providing patient education supports informed consent and engagement, and recording vital signs accurately ensures proper monitoring and communication. Thus, not using a required safety device reflects negligence because it represents a failure to meet the standard of care and creates foreseeable harm.