What is defined as the failure to do something that a reasonably prudent person would do?

Negligence is defined as the failure to act in a way that a reasonably prudent person would, which makes this answer the correct choice. In the context of physical therapy and healthcare, negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide care that meets the standard expected in the profession, leading to potential harm to a patient. This could include failure to follow protocols, provide appropriate treatment, or adequately supervise a patient.

In contrast, malpractice specifically refers to negligence by a professional, indicating that the person had a duty to act in a certain way yet failed to fulfill that duty. While breach of duty relates to the specific failure to uphold a responsibility, it does not encompass the broader concept of failing to act like a reasonably prudent person, which is central to negligence. Assault involves a different legal concept relating to causing apprehension of unwanted physical contact, which does not apply in this context of care standards.