Final answer:
A nurse failing to administer medication correctly is an example of failure to meet the standard of care. This legal concept in healthcare pertains to negligence and the ethical principle of nonmaleficence, which is to do no harm. Deviations from standard practices can have serious legal implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to the question is: A nurse failing to give medications accurately, completely, or on time is an example of failure to meet the standard of care. The question is asking about legal and ethical concepts within healthcare, specifically it touches on the negligence aspect of medical malpractice.
In the context of healthcare, a nurse or any other health care provider has a duty to use care towards their patients. This includes the accurate and timely administration of medications. When there's a deviation from the accepted standards of practice, such as failing to administer the correct dosage of medication or not providing it on time, this constitutes a failure to meet the standard of care. This could potentially lead to injury or foreseeability of harm, as patients might experience adverse effects or a decline in health due to lack of proper medication.
The principles of nonmaleficence and the requirements set within employment agreements and contractual relationships between patient and healthcare provider further underscore the obligations of healthcare workers to perform their duties effectively to avoid causing harm. In legal terms, when these standards are not met, it could result in a malpractice lawsuit, where the healthcare professional or institution may be held liable for not adhering to the established standard of care.