An obligation exists to conform to a recognized standard of care.

An obligation exists to conform to a recognized standard of care.

• A. Duty to care
• B. Duty of care
• C. Standard of practice
• D. Civil duty

Answer: (A)

In nursing, the obligation to conform to a recognized standard of care is called the duty of care. This means once a professional relationship with a patient is established, you’re expected to provide care that meets the established standards for similar situations—what a reasonably prudent nurse would do. The standard of practice serves as the benchmark used to judge whether that duty was fulfilled. Civil duty refers to general obligations to society and isn’t specific to professional healthcare. While you might hear “duty to care” in casual language, the precise term reflecting the professional obligation is duty of care.

In nursing, the obligation to conform to a recognized standard of care is called the duty of care. This means once a professional relationship with a patient is established, you’re expected to provide care that meets the established standards for similar situations—what a reasonably prudent nurse would do. The standard of practice serves as the benchmark used to judge whether that duty was fulfilled. Civil duty refers to general obligations to society and isn’t specific to professional healthcare. While you might hear “duty to care” in casual language, the precise term reflecting the professional obligation is duty of care.