What term refers to an unintentional wrongdoing due to failure to meet a standard of care?

Negligence refers to an unintentional wrongdoing that occurs when an individual fails to meet a recognized standard of care, leading to harm or injury to another person. In the context of forensic nursing, this concept is particularly significant, as healthcare professionals are expected to adhere to certain standards in their practice. When these standards are not met due to oversight, carelessness, or a lack of knowledge, it may result in negligence.

For example, if a nurse fails to properly assess a patient's condition or administer medication timely, and this results in harm to the patient, such actions could be classified as negligent. This can involve failure to act in a way that a reasonably competent professional would under similar circumstances, and it underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in medical care. Understanding negligence is crucial for forensic nurses as they often deal with legal cases that may involve allegations of negligent care leading to patient harm.