Which term describes the failure to meet the standard of care by omission or commission?

• A. Accountability
• B. Privacy
• C. Breach of duty
• D. Assault

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is what happens when a nurse fails to meet the expected standard of care. In nursing, professionals have a duty to provide care that a reasonably competent nurse would under similar circumstances. When that standard isn’t met—either by omitting care that was needed or by performing care inappropriately—the appropriate term is a breach of duty. This captures both not doing what should be done and doing something that falls short of what’s required, and it’s the concept that underpins potential liability or malpractice in practice.

The other terms don’t describe this failure to meet the standard. Accountability is about being answerable for actions, not specifically about the standard of care being unmet. Privacy concerns protecting patient information, not the adequacy of care received. Assault involves a deliberate threat or fear of harmful contact, not a failure to meet professional standards.