Which scenario best demonstrates neglect?

• A. Ignoring a patient's medical complaints leading to a severe infection
• B. Encouraging patient questions
• C. Listening to concerns
• D. Documenting concerns

Answer: (A)

Neglect in patient care means failing to recognize and respond appropriately to a patient’s needs, signals, or complaints, and that failure can lead to harm. When a clinician ignores a patient’s medical complaints, important symptoms may go unchecked and untreated, allowing a condition to worsen. This scenario shows that exactly: a patient’s reported concerns were not addressed, and the result was a severe infection. That lack of timely assessment or action reflects neglect because it breaches the duty to provide appropriate, responsive care that protects the patient from harm.

In contrast, encouraging questions, listening to concerns, and documenting concerns are all practices that support attentive, patient-centered care and help prevent neglect. They show responsiveness, communication, and accountability, which are safeguards against harm and violations of the standard of care.