Which scenario is an example of gross negligence?

Gross negligence refers to a severe degree of negligence that demonstrates a complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of patients. In the context of the options provided, refusing to return an emergency call about chest pain exemplifies gross negligence. This scenario involves a clear and significant failure to respond to a potential medical emergency, where timely intervention could be critical for patient survival.

In cases of chest pain, there is an inherent risk of life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction, and the expectation for a healthcare professional is to act promptly and appropriately. The refusal to engage in communication compromises the patient's health and indicates an extreme lack of care or consideration, thus illustrating gross negligence.

Other scenarios, while certainly serious and potentially leading to harmful outcomes, do not depict the same level of disregard for patient safety. For example, a fatal allergic reaction from a drug prescription could result from an unfortunate oversight or lack of information, rather than an outright refusal to provide care. Similarly, a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose may arise from errors in judgment or clinical decisions rather than a blatant disregard for a patient’s urgent needs. Therefore, the scenario with the refusal to return an emergency call about chest pain is the clearest example of gross negligence due to the severity of the implications for patient