NCLEX: Legal/Ethical Questions 2022 with COMPLETE SOLUTION

Which of the following are examples of medical battery? Select all that apply. 1. A child is placed in a papoose restraint for suturing of a facial laceration with the parent present 2. Application of soft wrist restraints to the arms of a confused, adult client with a NG tube 3. The nurse administers 2mg of morphine PRN to a difficult, alert client but tells the client it is saline 4. The nurse inserts a needed urinary catheter even though a competent client refuses it 5. The nurse threatens to put a client in restraints if the client does not stay in bed - 3,4 Battery is the intentional touching of a person that is legally defined as unacceptable or occurs without the person's consent. Many routine actions that are permissible when proper consent is obtained would otherwise be considered medical battery. Furthermore, actions can be considered battery even if no physical injury results. Any health care provider (HCP) who performs a medical or surgical procedure without receiving the required informed consent from a competent client (or parent/legal guardian in the case of a child) is committing battery and could be legally charged (Option 3). A competent client has the right to refuse any treatment, even if it is for the client's benefit. The nurse should help the client understand the need (eg, informed refusal), but the client's decision should be upheld. Proceeding to administer treatment to a competent client who has refused that treatment is medical battery (Option 4). (Option 1) The temporary restraint for this minor child is needed for a therapeutic intervention, and it is implied that the parent consents to its use. (Option 2) Using a restraint to prevent a client from inadvertently removing essential medical interventions is an acceptable medical precaution. A prescription from the HCP is required, and the nurse is responsible for performing appropriate, timely assessments related to the restraint. This is not an example of battery as there is a medical reason for the restraint and a prescription/order was obtained.