Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

The term that specifically refers to the failure to provide patient care and to adhere to appropriate standards is a breach of duty. In the context of nursing and healthcare, "duty" refers to the obligation healthcare professionals have to provide a certain standard of care to their patients. When a nurse fails to meet these standards, this constitutes a breach of that duty, which could potentially lead to harm or injury to the patient. Understanding this concept is crucial for nurses, as it emphasizes the ethical and legal responsibilities they hold in their practice. The other terms, while related to issues of care and legal responsibilities, do not specifically describe the failure to provide care in the same way. Breach of contract pertains to violations of the terms of an agreement, battery involves harmful or offensive contact, and tort refers to a wrongful act that causes harm to another, but does not specifically address the failure in the context of duty and care standards.