If physicians ignore a nurse's diagnostic assessment and the patient is injured, which statement best reflects likely liability?

• A. The physician is completely blameless
• B. The physician's disregard can contribute to the patient's injury
• C. The nurse is solely responsible
• D. The patient would be fine

Answer: (B)

When evaluating medical liability, professionals are expected to act in line with the standard of care and to consider the input of other team members. If a physician ignores a nurse’s diagnostic assessment and the patient ends up injured, that disregard can be a breach of duty and can serve as a contributing cause of harm. The physician is responsible for medical decisions, and failing to take appropriate information from the nursing staff undermines patient safety and can lead to liability for malpractice.

That’s why the statement that the physician’s disregard can contribute to the patient’s injury is the best reflection of likely liability. The idea that the physician is completely blameless ignores the duty to cooperate and utilize available information. The nurse is not solely responsible, since the physician makes the final medical decisions. The notion that the patient would be fine is unfounded and ignores the potential consequences of ignoring a nurse’s assessment.