A cross-contaminated needle used on multiple clients is an example of which concept?

• A. Negligence
• B. Malpractice
• C. Informed consent
• D. Battery

Answer: (A)

Negligence is failing to meet the expected standard of care in a healthcare setting. Using a cross-contaminated needle on multiple clients clearly breaches infection-control practices, which require a sterile, single-use needle for each person. This creates a foreseeable risk of transmitting infections and harm to patients, and the practitioner has a duty to maintain safe, standard precautions. When that duty is neglected, it constitutes negligence because it falls below the level of care a reasonably prudent professional would provide.

This isn’t about obtaining informed consent, which relates to informing patients about procedures and risks. It’s not about intentional harm, which would point to battery. While professional negligence can be described as malpractice, the specific act here demonstrates the failure to meet standard care, which is the core idea of negligence.