What is an example of malpractice in nursing?

Leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication is an example of malpractice in nursing because it refers to a failure to provide the standard of care that a competent nurse would follow. When a nasogastric tube is clamped, it prevents the medication from being effectively administered or absorbed. This action can lead to a patient's condition worsening due to inadequate medication delivery, which could be considered negligent behavior. In nursing practice, it is vital to ensure that all medical interventions are conducted correctly and safely to promote patient health and avoid harm.

While the other options also reflect situations that could lead to patient harm or inadequate care, they may not necessarily rise to the level of malpractice in the same way. For instance, failing to document adequatley, while important, speaks more to issues of communication and legal responsibilities rather than direct harm caused by an action like leaving a tube clamped. Similarly, incorrectly calculating medication dosages can be serious but may involve factors such as intent or awareness of the error. Ignoring a patient’s complaint about pain represents a disregard for patient advocacy and communication but may not specifically involve a direct act that could cause harm as the clamping scenario does.