Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

A patient can file a negligence claim if they:

1. Have a bad outcome perceived as a result of care

2. Actually make a mistake

3. Are in an understaffed unit

4. Suffer from residual pain

The correct answer is: Have a bad outcome perceived as a result of care

A patient can file a negligence claim if they believe that there was a breach of duty that resulted in harm, rather than simply experiencing a bad outcome. In the context of negligence, a claim is founded on the idea that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, leading to the patient's injury or adverse outcome. Perceived negative outcomes alone do not establish liability; there must be evidence showing that the care provided was substandard and that this directly caused harm to the patient. Therefore, if a patient experiences a poor outcome that they attribute to an error or negligence in their care, they are within their rights to pursue a claim. The other scenarios presented do not, on their own, qualify as bases for filing a negligence claim. For example, actual mistakes or errors in care may be part of a claim, but not every mistake will necessarily lead to a viable negligence claim unless it is proven to fall below the standard of care. Being in an understaffed unit might contribute to conditions that lead to negligence, but it's not sufficient by itself for a claim. Similarly, residual pain needs to be shown to be a direct result of negligent care to be considered valid for a claim.