Presence or Absence of Negligence by Nurses Essay

Presence or Absence of Negligence by Nurses - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the presence of an IV infiltration should have been identified, noted and taken care of immediately. It was the duty of the nurse who had done the overnight shift check up on the patient to ensure the best interest of the patient. This should have included ensuring that any single complication is noted, properly examined and proper care is given to deal with it. However, this was not the case as can be seen in the case study. The nurse who had done the rounds during the shift when the infiltrate was discovered had seen the infiltrate, failed to record it in the patient’s chart and additionally ignored it. In this case, the nurse had failed to perform her duty of ensuring quality care, health, and safety of the patient. Here is the case of professional negligence rather than ordinary negligence. The parents are in this case right to sue her for negligence and the consequent complications/damage (scarring and motion loss) that resul ted from the lack of action. Negligence is proven by four main elements. The first element is the duty which begins at the moment the patient meets the healthcare provider. The other element is the breach of duty. This according to Helm, occurs when the care provider fails to provide all necessary care and conduct to the patient. Damages, which is the next element is when harm occurs from neglect or breach of duty. The last element is causation. This is determined when the harm is done can be directly associated with lack of proper care. Ordinary negligence is defined as the failure to provide care that any other person would have provided in a particular situation. Professional negligence, on the other hand, involves malpractice done by an expertise such as a doctor or qualified nurse.