Nurse Executive Certification Practice Exam

What is meant by "causation" in malpractice?

1. The impact of an error on patient satisfaction

2. Proof that a breach resulted in harm

3. The cost associated with legal disputes

4. The timeline of patient care

The correct answer is: Proof that a breach resulted in harm

Causation in malpractice refers specifically to the requirement that a breach of duty by a healthcare provider must be directly linked to the harm suffered by the patient. In legal terms, proving causation involves demonstrating that the negligent act or omission was the actual cause of the injury, meaning that the harm would not have occurred if the healthcare provider had not failed to meet the standard of care. This concept is crucial because simply showing that there was a breach of duty is not sufficient for a malpractice claim; it must be established that this breach directly caused the injury or harm experienced. For instance, if a healthcare provider failed to administer medication correctly, it must be shown that this error had a direct impact on the patient's health outcome, resulting in injury or additional harm. Thus, establishing causation is a critical element in malpractice lawsuits, making it a key understanding for healthcare executives and practitioners alike.