Dr. Smith, a well-respected surgeon, performed a routine app…

Dr. Smith, a well-respected surgeon, performed a routine appendectomy on Mr. Johnson. During the surgery, Dr. Smith accidentally nicked Mr. Johnson’s bowel, but he did not notice the error and completed the procedure. Post-surgery, Mr. Johnson experienced severe abdominal pain and signs of infection, which were initially dismissed by the nursing staff as normal post-operative symptoms. Three days later, Mr. Johnson was readmitted to the hospital in critical condition with sepsis. An emergency surgery revealed the bowel injury, and Mr. Johnson required extensive treatment, resulting in a prolonged hospital stay and significant medical expenses. Analyze the potential medical malpractice issues in this scenario by addressing the following points: Identify the elements of medical malpractice and apply them to this case. Discuss the standard of care and how it applies to Dr. Smith’s actions. Evaluate the potential defenses Dr. Smith and the hospital might use. Consider the legal and ethical implications of the nursing staff’s initial dismissal of Mr. Johnson’s symptoms.