What is the most appropriate term for causing harm without intent to do so?

The most appropriate term for causing harm without intention is negligence. Negligence refers to a failure to take proper care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation, which results in unintended harm to another person. In the context of healthcare, this could mean failing to monitor a patient's condition properly, leading to an adverse outcome.

Negligence is characterized by the breach of a duty of care, where the actions (or lack of action) of a healthcare provider fail to meet the accepted standards, resulting in injury or harm that was not intended. This differs from intentional torts, which involve deliberate actions taken to cause harm. Understanding negligence is vital in nursing practice, as it underscores the importance of adhering to protocols and ensuring patient safety to prevent unintentional harm.