Which term describes injury to a patient caused by professional misconduct such as negligence, carelessness, or lack of skill?

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

Answer: (A)

In health care, the harm caused by a professional's failure to meet the expected standard of care is described as malpractice. This term captures injuries that occur because a practitioner acted negligently, carelessly, or without the necessary skill. It specifically names professional wrongdoing and the resulting harm, which is why it fits best for injuries tied to professional mispractice.

Negligence alone refers to failing to exercise reasonable care in general, which can lead to harm but isn’t limited to professional settings. Informed consent deals with a patient agreeing to treatment after being informed of risks, not with injuries from misconduct. Battery involves intentional harmful contact, which is a different legal issue than harm caused by professional mistakes.