The patient / plaintiff was a 40-year-old female undergoing Mitomycin chemotherapy for anal cancer following surgery and radiation. The patient alleged that the defendant nurse incorrectly placed the intravenous line (IV) resulting in infiltration with extravasation of the Mitomycin into the tissues of her right hand. The patient further alleged an inadequate number of nurses resulted in improper supervision of her chemotherapy treatment by the defendant nurse. The defendant nurse inserted a peripheral IV into a vein on the dorsum of the patient's right hand for the administration of Mitomycin. The IV was inserted without difficulty. When she later checked the patient's IV, she noted that the needle had dislodged from the patient's vein. There was no evidence that the Mitomycin had extravasated into the patient's tissues. The defendant nurse immediately stopped the IV, notified the physician and provided care to the patient's hand. The documentation indicates no immediate adverse effects. Three months following the event, the patient developed necrosis of the dorsum of the right hand. She required multiple surgical procedures, skin grafting and reconstruction with permanent loss of function and significant deformity including lack of movement of the fourth and fifth fingers. The patient also alleged pain and suffering and permanent disabilities interfering with recreational activities and daily living.

1. List the 4 elements of a malpractice claim and, for each of the 4 elements, state which, if any, of the facts in the scenario support that specific element.