A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse provide care for a client who is postoperative.
The newly licensed nurse tells the client that she will insert a urinary catheter if the client will not void.
Which of the following torts should the charge nurse identify as having occurred?
A.
Libel.
B.
Battery.
C.
Negligence.
D.
Assault.
The correct answer is:
D. Assault
Explanation:
Assault is a tort that involves a threat or attempt to make bodily contact with another person without their consent. In this scenario, the newly licensed nurse’s statement about inserting a urinary catheter if the client does not void can be considered a threat of an invasive procedure, which constitutes assault if the client did not give consent or if the procedure was not properly justified.
- A. Libel: Refers to written defamation. It is not relevant in this context.
- B. Battery: Involves actual physical contact or harm. Although inserting a catheter without consent would be battery, the scenario describes a threat rather than the actual physical act.
- C. Negligence: Refers to failing to provide the standard of care that a reasonable person would provide. The scenario describes a potential issue of consent rather than a failure to meet the standard of care.
Correct answer: D