What term describes treatment that does not meet accepted standards of care and directly results in patient injury?

The term that describes treatment that does not meet accepted standards of care and directly results in patient injury is negligence. In the healthcare context, negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to act with the level of care that a reasonably competent provider would exercise in similar circumstances. This can manifest in various ways, such as failing to diagnose a condition, improper medication administration, or inadequate patient monitoring, leading to harm to the patient.

Negligence is focused on the failure to adhere to accepted medical standards, leading to tangible damage or injury to the patient. This is why it is the correct answer; it specifically highlights the connection between the breach of duty and the resulting harm.

Malpractice is often related but specifically refers to negligence by a professional that results in harm, thus is more about legal implications. Misconduct typically denotes wrongdoing or improper behavior, not necessarily linked to injury. Fraud implies deception for personal gain, which is distinct from failures in care standards. Understanding the nuances of these terms is crucial for proper reporting and management in healthcare training and practice.