What term refers to the failure to provide needed care that could result in harm?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Neglect
• C. Ombudsman
• D. Perineal Care (pericare)

Answer: (B)

Neglect is the failure to provide the care a person needs, and that lack of care could lead to harm. In a care setting, this means not giving essential assistance like arranging meals, ensuring hydration, maintaining hygiene, turning and repositioning to prevent ulcers, or responding to safety needs and medication administration. When these needs aren’t met, the resident is at risk, and that risk is precisely what defines neglect.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become weak and brittle, not about failing to provide care. An ombudsman is a person who helps resolve residents’ complaints and advocates for their rights, not the act of failing to provide care. Perineal care is the routine cleaning of the genital and anal area, a normal caregiving task, not a term for failing to provide care.