Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

An injury a patient sustains as a result of the care given by a healthcare professional is called?

1. Tort

2. Liability

3. Battery

4. Iatrogenic

The correct answer is: Iatrogenic

An injury that a patient sustains as a result of the care given by a healthcare professional is termed "iatrogenic." This term specifically refers to an adverse condition or complication that is caused by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures. In the context of healthcare, iatrogenic injuries can occur due to a variety of factors, such as surgical errors, reactions to medications, or complications that arise from interventions. Iatrogenic injuries highlight the importance of careful medical practice and patient monitoring, as they underscore the potential risks associated with medical and surgical care. Identifying and understanding iatrogenic effects are crucial for healthcare professionals to improve patient safety and quality of care by minimizing avoidable adverse effects related to treatments. In contrast, tort refers to a wrongful act that causes harm to another person, which may or may not be related to medical care. Liability involves the legal responsibility one has for their actions or omissions, which can encompass various scenarios beyond just those directly related to medical treatment. Battery in a medical context pertains to performing a procedure without the patient's consent, which is a different legal issue. The concept of iatrogenesis specifically connects the idea of an injury to the action of a healthcare provider, making it the most accurate term for this scenario.