A nurse is caring for a client who repeatedly refuses meals.
The nurse overhears an assistive personnel (AP) telling the client, “If you don’t eat, I’ll put restraints on your wrists and feed you.” The nurse should intervene and explain to the AP that this statement constitutes which of the following torts?
Assault.
Battery.
Negligence.
Malpractice.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because the AP’s statement constitutes an intentional tort, which is a wrong that the defendant knew or should have known would be caused by their actions. An assault is defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive contact.
The AP’s threat of using restraints and force-feeding the client could cause the client to fear for their safety and dignity, which is an assault.
Choice B is wrong because Battery is wrong because battery is defined as intentional causation of harmful or offensive contact with another person without that person’s consent.
The AP did not actually touch the client or carry out the threat, so there was no battery.
Choice C is wrong because Negligence is wrong because negligence is an unintentional tort, which occurs when the defendant’s actions or inactions were unreasonably unsafe.
The AP did not act or fail to act in a way that breached the standard of care or caused harm to the client, so there was no negligence.
Choice D is wrong because Malpractice is wrong because malpractice is a type of negligence that involves a professional failing to perform their duties according to the standards of their profession.
The AP did not perform any professional duty or service that was below the standard of care or caused harm to the client, so there was no malpractice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This client should be assessed first because they are at risk of hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency that can cause seizures, coma, or death if not treated promptly.
The nurse should check the client’s blood glucose level again and provide additional carbohydrates or glucose if needed.
Choice A is wrong because a client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.
The nurse should verify the client’s consent, allergies, and vital signs before the procedure, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Choice B is wrong because a client who received pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain is likely to have improved pain relief and does not need immediate assessment.
The nurse should monitor the client’s pain level, vital signs, and respiratory status periodically, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Choice D is wrong because a client who has 100 mL of fluid remaining in his IV bag is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.
The nurse should change the IV bag when it is empty or nearly empty, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) when fasting, and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after eating. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia and requires immediate treatment. Orange juice is a source of simple carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose quickly, but it may not be enough to prevent hypoglycemia in some cases.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good for the patient and promoting their well-being.
The nurse is demonstrating beneficence by sitting with the client to provide comfort and support during a difficult time.
Choice B is wrong because fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises to the patient and being loyal and faithful.
The nurse is not making or keeping any promises to the client in this scenario.
Choice C is wrong because autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions and choices.
The nurse is not interfering with the client’s autonomy in this scenario.
Choice D is wrong because veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth to the patient and being honest and trustworthy.
The nurse is not lying or withholding information from the client in this scenario.
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