The charge nurse shares with the nursing student the following about negligence of a patient.

Choice A reason: Giving malicious false information is the definition of defamation, specifically libel if written or slander if spoken. Negligence does not require malice or the spreading of false information; it is focused on the breach of a professional duty of care regardless of the intent. Choice B reason: Negligence is legally defined as the omission to do something that a reasonable person, or a prudent healthcare professional, would do, or doing something that a reasonable and prudent person would not do. It involves a breach of duty that results in unintentional harm or injury. Choice C reason: While abandonment and mistreatment are forms of negligence, the definition is much broader. Negligence can include medication errors, failure to monitor a patient, or failing to follow safety protocols. It is not limited to extreme cases of physical abandonment but covers any breach of standard care. Choice D reason: Putting a patient in fear of being harmed is the legal definition of assault. Negligence is distinct from intentional torts like assault because it does not require the intent to cause fear or harm; it focuses on the failure to maintain a safe professional standard.