Question

Which of the following actions would be considered an act of negligence when dealing with an unconscious patient?

a) Administering prescribed medication on time
b) Monitoring vital signs regularly
c) Failing to secure the patient’s airway when necessary
d) Providing comfort measures such as adjusting the room temperature

Answer 1

Failing to secure an unconscious patient's airway is considered negligent because it can lead to serious health complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

An act of negligence when dealing with an unconscious patient would be c) Failing to secure the patient’s airway when necessary. In a medical setting, especially during the recovery phase following surgery, the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional have a responsibility to ensure that a patient maintains a clear airway to prevent asphyxiation or other complications. In contrast, timely medication administration, vital signs monitoring, and providing comfort measures are all part of standard care and would not be considered negligent if performed appropriately.