Which action is an example of negligence in nursing care?

Negligence in nursing care refers to a failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent nurse would provide in similar circumstances, leading to harm or potential harm to the patient. In the context of this question, the action of checking the distal pulses of a patient's legs two hours after a procedure demonstrates a lapse in timely assessment, especially if the procedure involved risks that necessitate close monitoring.

In certain situations, particularly after procedures that may impact circulation (such as orthopedic surgeries or procedures involving the vascular system), checking the distal pulses should occur much sooner to quickly identify any complications such as impaired circulation. Delaying this assessment could result in the nurse failing to identify signs of complications in a timely manner, which could ultimately harm the patient. This scenario highlights a critical aspect of nursing care where timely monitoring is essential to ensure patient safety and effective recovery.

The other options represent actions that either meet the expected standard of care or do not demonstrate negligence in the same way. For example, transcribing medication orders correctly is a fundamental nursing responsibility and indicates appropriate care management practices. Additionally, providing warm water for a patient experiencing depression can be considered a compassionate act, assuming it aligns with the patient's care plan and safety protocols. Lastly, the observation of a UAP adhering