A surgeon performed abdominal surgery on a patient. After the operation, the patient had abdominal pain for months. An x-ray then revealed that a sponge had been left in the patient's abdomen. The patient then sued the surgeon for negligence. The surgeon admitted that he owed a duty of care to the patient. From the following answer choices, what additional fact would be most helpful in completing the patient's claim?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

That the surgeon's action or inaction resulted in leaving the sponge in the patient's abdomen. Answer C is correct because it supports a breach of the duty owed by the surgeon to the patient. Answer A is not correct because the sponge in the patient's abdomen would be a danger regardless of size. Answer B is not correct because the ability to file a complaint is irrelevant to a negligence claim. Answer D is not correct because whether the sponge can be removed is irrelevant to the surgeon's negligence.

A Surgeon Performed Abdominal Surgery on a Patient