Which term means unintentional failure to act?

• A. Neglect
• B. Malpractice
• C. Negligence
• D. Elder Abuse

Answer: (C)

Not meeting the expected standard of care because of an unintentional omission is negligence. In nursing care, this means failing to act when you should—such as not monitoring a patient at risk, or not answering a call light—so the patient is harmed or put at risk. This centers on the duty to act and the failure to meet that duty, even if it wasn’t intentional.

Malpractice refers to professional negligence by a licensed clinician, a more specific version of negligence in a professional setting. Elder abuse means harming an elder, which is deliberate harm. Neglect is a broader term for failing to provide basic care, which can be intentional or not, but for “unintentional failure to act,” negligence is the best fit.