NCLEX-RNManagement of CareMedium
A nurse enters a client's room to insert a urinary catheter for a scheduled procedure. The client, who is alert and oriented, states, 'No one explained why I need this or what it involves.' The nurse proceeds to insert the catheter anyway because it was ordered by the physician. Which tort has the nurse most likely committed?
- ANegligence
- BDefamation
- CFalse imprisonment
- DBattery
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Battery
Battery is unauthorized physical contact with a person without consent. Because the client expressed lack of understanding and did not give informed consent for the procedure, proceeding with the catheter insertion constitutes battery.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Negligence involves failure to meet a standard of care causing harm, not unauthorized touching.
- B. Defamation involves false statements damaging reputation, unrelated to physical procedures.
- C. False imprisonment involves unlawful restriction of movement, not performing an unconsented procedure.
Battery in Healthcare
Battery is intentional, unauthorized physical contact with a client, such as performing a procedure without valid informed consent.
- Requires actual physical contact without consent
- Differs from assault, which is the threat of contact
- Informed consent must be obtained before any procedure
- Proceeding despite client confusion or lack of understanding is battery
Memory trick: No consent, no contact—touching without 'yes' is battery.