A client has a prescription for haloperidol 5 mg orally two times a day, as ordered by the physician. The client is suspicious and refuses to take the medication. The nurse says, "If you don't take this pill, I'll get an order to give you an injection." The nurse's statement is an example of:
Battery.
Malpractice.
Unintentional tort.
Assault.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Battery involves the actual physical contact or touching of a person without consent. In healthcare, this could mean administering a medication or treatment without the patient’s permission. In this scenario, the nurse has not physically touched or administered anything to the client, so battery has not occurred. The threat alone does not constitute battery—it must involve actual contact.
Choice B reason: Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to meet the standard of care that results in harm to the patient. It typically involves errors in diagnosis, treatment, or judgment. The nurse’s statement, while inappropriate, does not reflect a failure in clinical judgment or technical care that resulted in harm. Therefore, it does not meet the criteria for malpractice.
Choice C reason: An unintentional tort is a civil wrong that occurs due to negligence, such as accidentally causing harm without intent. Examples include medication errors or failure to monitor a patient properly. In this case, the nurse’s statement is deliberate and coercive, not accidental or negligent, so it does not qualify as an unintentional tort.
Choice D reason: Assault is defined as an intentional act that causes a person to fear that they will be harmed. It does not require physical contact. The nurse’s statement threatens the client with an injection if they refuse the oral medication, which can reasonably cause the client to fear imminent physical intervention. This threat constitutes assault because it involves intentional verbal coercion that instills fear of bodily harm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Open-ended questions encourage clients to elaborate and provide more detailed responses. They are a therapeutic communication technique that facilitates information gathering, not a barrier.
Choice B reason: Rushing and pressuring the client can create anxiety, reduce trust, and make the client feel unheard or unsafe. This approach can shut down communication and lead to incomplete or inaccurate information.
Choice C reason: Taking time to answer the client’s questions builds rapport and shows respect. It encourages mutual communication and trust, which are essential for effective assessment.
Choice D reason: Being open and friendly helps establish a therapeutic relationship. It makes the client feel more comfortable and willing to share, enhancing the quality of the assessment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Spiritual beliefs are often included in the history section of a comprehensive assessment. They provide insight into the client’s values, coping mechanisms, and preferences for care, especially in end-of-life or culturally sensitive situations. Including spiritual beliefs helps tailor interventions to the client’s worldview and supports holistic care.
Choice B reason: Symptoms are typically documented in the present illness or current complaint section of the assessment, not the history section. The history section focuses on past events, conditions, and background information. Symptoms reflect current clinical presentation and are part of the physical or mental status examination.
Choice C reason: Age is a demographic detail that is routinely included in the history section. It helps contextualize health risks, developmental expectations, and appropriate interventions. Age is essential for interpreting clinical findings and planning age-appropriate care.
Choice D reason: Past medical history is a core component of the history section. It includes previous diagnoses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and chronic conditions. This information is vital for understanding the client’s baseline health and potential complications.
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