Understanding Negligence in Nursing

In a healthcare setting, nurses are bound by ethical and legal standards to ensure patient safety and confidentiality. Recently, a patient was diagnosed with a chronic illness, and the nurse was responsible for informing the patient about the diagnosis and treatment options. However, the nurse inadvertently discussed the patient's condition in the presence of unauthorized individuals. This breach of confidentiality could lead to legal consequences for the nurse.

According to healthcare laws, nurses are subject to specific legal responsibilities that protect patient information. If a nurse violates these responsibilities, they may be held liable for __________. Fill in the blank with the correct legal term that signifies the failure to fulfill a duty, which can result in harm to the patient.