An RN is assigned to monitor a patient recovering from surgery. During her shift, she notices that the patient is exhibiting signs of a severe allergic reaction. However, she fails to administer the necessary emergency treatment, and the patient dies as a result. Under criminal law, which of the following best describes the nurse's potential liability?
The nurse is liable for reckless homicide, because she notices the patient's allergic reaction and has a duty to the patient.
The nurse is liable because there was no affirmative action taken to cause the death.
The nurse is criminally liable for manslaughter due to her failure to act when there was a duty to do so.
The nurse is liable for civil negligence as well as criminal liability in this situation.
The nurse had a legal duty to act to prevent harm to the patient. By failing to administer the necessary treatment, she is criminally liable for manslaughter due to her omission. The other options either incorrectly address the nature of liability or combine civil and criminal responsibilities without focusing solely on the omission.
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What is manslaughter in the context of nursing liability?
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