Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

Foreseeability refers to what concept in negligence?

1. The expectation that all healthcare workers will act perfectly

2. The ability to predict the consequences of an action

3. The requirement to inform patients of every risk

4. The notion that harm is always preventable

The correct answer is: The ability to predict the consequences of an action

Foreseeability in negligence refers to the ability to predict the consequences of an action. In the context of legal liability, it reflects the idea that an individual should be held accountable for actions that could reasonably be anticipated to cause harm to others. This concept is integral to determining whether a duty of care exists and whether a breach of that duty resulted in harm. In negligence cases, the courts often assess whether a reasonable person in a similar situation could foresee the potential for harm arising from their actions. If a healthcare worker were to neglect standard procedures that a reasonable person would recognize as necessary to prevent patient harm, the foreseeability of the potential consequences can establish grounds for negligence. Understanding foreseeability helps to align expectations and responsibilities within healthcare practice, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices that account for possible outcomes.