Which statement best completes a malpractice claim alongside duty and breach?

Which statement best completes a malpractice claim alongside duty and breach?

• A. The plaintiff was injured by the PNP's conduct
• B. The PNP was not properly credentialed
• C. The PNP did not consult with a supervising physician
• D. The PNP operated outside a recognized standard of care

Answer: (A)

Malpractice claims hinge on four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. After establishing the duty and the breach, you need to show that the patient was harmed as a result of that breach. Saying the plaintiff was injured by the PNP’s conduct provides the damages component, demonstrating that the breach caused actual harm and supporting liability. The other statements touch on credentialing, supervision, or adherence to a standard of care. While these factors can relate to whether a breach occurred or whether care met standards, they do not themselves establish that damages or injuries occurred, which is the essential missing piece to complete the claim.

Malpractice claims hinge on four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. After establishing the duty and the breach, you need to show that the patient was harmed as a result of that breach. Saying the plaintiff was injured by the PNP’s conduct provides the damages component, demonstrating that the breach caused actual harm and supporting liability.

The other statements touch on credentialing, supervision, or adherence to a standard of care. While these factors can relate to whether a breach occurred or whether care met standards, they do not themselves establish that damages or injuries occurred, which is the essential missing piece to complete the claim.