Free NCLEX RN Practice Test Practice Question
A patient refuses to take his dose of oral medication. The nurse tells the patient that if he does not take the medication that she will administer it by injection. The nurse's comments can result in a charge of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's comments can lead to a charge of assault because they imply the threat of unwanted physical contact (injection) to compel the patient to take medication. Assault involves creating a fear of imminent harm, even if the action has not yet occurred.
Option A, malpractice, refers to a failure to meet professional standards of care, which is not applicable here as the issue is about the threat rather than care standards.
Option C, negligence, involves a breach of duty that causes harm, which is not relevant since no harm has occurred yet.
Option D, battery, would be applicable if the injection had been administered without consent, but in this scenario, the nurse's threat alone constitutes assault.
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