Final answer:
The essential characteristics of negligence in a nursing malpractice action include a duty owed to the patient and a breach of that duty, which are related to the principle of nonmaleficence in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a nursing malpractice action, essential characteristics of negligence must be present. Among the options provided, the essential characteristics include:
- A duty owed to the patient
- Breach of duty
Option 3, Lack of causation, is contrary to the requirements of negligence as causation is necessary to establish a legal connection between the breach of duty and the harm caused. Option 4, Patient's satisfaction, is not relevant to a finding of malpractice; instead, patient harm and a professional's failing to meet the standard of care are essential. The principle of nonmaleficence is closely related to these characteristics as it mandates that healthcare providers should act in ways that do not cause harm to patients and that any potential harms should be necessary for effective treatment and minimized as much as possible.