Final answer:
Medical malpractice is defined as professional negligence, which is the failure to provide the standard of care by a healthcare professional, leading to patient harm. The principle of nonmaleficence and complex issues of liability come into play with malpractice cases, raising questions about the responsibilities of healthcare providers and equipment manufacturers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical malpractice is defined as e. professional negligence. This occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent professional would have provided under similar circumstances, leading to harm or injury to the patient. The principle of nonmaleficence emphasizes that healthcare providers should act in ways that do not cause harm to others, and this is fundamental to medical ethics. However, challenges arise when considering if hospitals or health-care workers should be held liable when following flawed procedures or if manufacturers should be liable for defective medical equipment. Lawsuits regarding these issues often raise complex questions about liability, standards of care, and the role of government in ensuring fail-safe medical equipment and protocols.