What practice helps avoid a lawsuit in nursing care?

• A. Disregard patient concerns
• B. Not documenting anything
• C. Provide competent, compassionate care
• D. Break confidentiality

Answer: (C)

Providing competent, compassionate care means following the established standard of care and treating patients with respect, empathy, and clear communication. This approach promotes patient safety, reduces the likelihood of errors, and builds trust with patients and families. When care meets professional expectations and is documented and explained appropriately, it supports a strong defense if questions of liability ever arise, because actions are aligned with ethical duties and accepted medical standards.

Disregarding patient concerns undermines safety and trust and can lead to harm and potential liability. Not documenting anything creates gaps in the record, making it difficult to show what care was provided and why. Breaking confidentiality violates privacy laws and ethical duties and can expose a nurse and facility to legal action.