Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Legal and Ethical Issues Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Legal and Ethical Issues related questions and content

The nurse is caring for an alert and oriented client in the hospital. The client is unhappy with the care the hospital is giving and states they are leaving the hospital. The nurse brings the client a sedative and tells the client that it is for blood pressure to prevent the client from leaving the facility. What type of intentional tort is this nurse guilty of?

  • A. Assault
  • B. Battery
  • C. False imprisonment
  • D. Invasion of privacy
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: False imprisonment occurs when healthcare workers physically or chemically restrain an individual from leaving a healthcare institution. A nurse cannot detain a competent client who wishes to leave a hospital or long-term care facility before being discharged by the physician. The client may sign an against medical advice form that releases the hospital from liability. Assault is an act that involves a threat or attempt to do bodily harm. Battery is actual physical contact with another person without that person's consent. Invasion of privacy means the failure of the right to expect that the clients and their property will be left alone.