Which of the following is a standard element of negligence in healthcare?

• A. Duty
• B. Intention
• C. Economic gain
• D. Fame

Answer: (A)

The key idea is establishing a duty of care. In healthcare, clinicians have an obligation to treat patients with reasonable skill and diligence because of the professional relationship. That duty is the foundation: without it, there can be no claim of negligence. If a clinician’s conduct falls below the accepted standard of care and that breach causes injury, the claim proceeds through the other required elements (breach, causation, and damages). Intent to harm isn’t necessary here; negligence focuses on carelessness or failure to meet the standard, not on deliberate harm. Economic gain or fame isn’t part of what makes a negligence claim—their presence doesn’t establish negligence. So recognizing the duty of care is the essential first step in a healthcare negligence claim.