What malpractice ground is the NP liable for if a patient decompensates after failing to consult a cardiologist?

In this scenario, liability for malpractice due to a failure to consult a cardiologist when a patient decompensates falls primarily under the concept of lack of skill. This reflects a breach of the standard of care expected from a nurse practitioner, which involves not only possessing the requisite knowledge and skills but also applying them appropriately in clinical situations.

When a nurse practitioner determines that a patient's condition is deteriorating, a higher level of expertise may be necessary, which often calls for a referral to a specialist, such as a cardiologist, especially if the symptoms suggest a cardiac issue. Not recognizing the need for this consultation indicates a failure to exercise the necessary clinical judgment that a capable provider in that situation should have. Such a failure essentially suggests that the NP lacked the requisite skill or knowledge to make the appropriate referral, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes.

This emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to seek additional expertise and the corresponding responsibilities tied to it in acute care settings.