A nurse tells several friends and coworkers that a client, who is also a physician, is unsafe for medical practice because he is paralyzed from the waist down and acts "slightly silly." What type of tort did the nurse commit?

What the facility states should have been done in that situation:
Facilities have their own policies and procedures that guide the staff. While these are important for ensuring consistent care and safety, they might not always align perfectly with the evolving standards of practice or individual patient needs. Legal standards are more broadly based on what is reasonable and prudent in the specific situation.

What the public expectations of what is to be done in the same situation:
Public expectations might vary widely and can be influenced by individual beliefs, cultural factors, or misconceptions. Legal standards are established by the profession and are based on specialized knowledge and training, ensuring that they reflect the best practices and evidence-based care.

What a reasonable and prudent nurse would have done in the same situation:
This is the key standard in legal contexts, known as the standard of care. It means evaluating the nurse's actions against what a hypothetical, reasonably competent nurse with similar training and experience would have done under similar circumstances. This standard is based on professional expertise, current evidence, and the specific needs of the patient, making it the most relevant and fair measure in cases of professional negligence.

What the general practice of colleagues at the time, in the same situation:
While professional norms and guidelines do consider the practices of colleagues, they also leave room for individual judgment and critical thinking. Just because a practice is common among colleagues does not necessarily mean it meets the standard of care. The legal standard considers what a reasonably prudent nurse would have done, which may involve a more careful evaluation of the situation than simply following common practice.

A) Refuse to give the information over the phone:
This option respects the patient's confidentiality and is the best course of action. Sharing sensitive medical information over the phone without proper verification and consent is not appropriate.

B) Give a noncommittal response that "everything is normal" even though it is untrue:
Providing false information compromises the integrity of the healthcare professional and can lead to serious consequences if discovered. It's essential to be honest and accurate when sharing medical information.

C) Give the results as they are reported on the laboratory sheet because the insurance company is paying for the test anyway:
Sharing medical information without proper consent, especially over the phone, is a violation of patient privacy and confidentiality. Insurance payment does not negate the need for patient consent and confidentiality.

D) Tell the representative that the test results are not back yet:
If the results are not yet available, it is appropriate to inform the insurance representative truthfully. However, if the results are available, the nurse should not provide them without proper authorization.