Reference no: EM133220100

Luz De La Rosa was brought by ambulance to the Providence Memorial Hospital ED with severe radiating back pain. She was admitted to the hospital at 1800, and a computed tomographic (CT) scan demonstrated bladder and bowel distension. A nurse noted lower-extremity weakness, the distended bladder, and the client's statements regarding lack of bowel movements but did not report these findings to a physician. The following morning, De La Rosa could not feel pain or move her legs. At 0810, a physician examined her, wrote an order for "stat" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and consulted a neurologist. The MRI was not completed until 1245. At 1342, a radiologist interpreted the scan as demonstrating a hematoma that was causing spinal cord compression. Surgery was performed around 1830, but she was rendered paraplegic. The client sued the hospital and specific physicians.  At trial, the plaintiff's expert witness alleged nursing negligence in the failure to report the assessment findings on admission. 

1.  Based on the information provided, did the nurse commit professional negligence (malpractice)?
2. Support your decision by discussing each of the four requirements to prove professional negligence.

The first question with one (1) sentence.  Then respond to question #2 with one (1) paragraph per requirement.