A nurse forgets to put the call light within the client’s reach and th

A nurse forgets to put the call light within the client’s reach and then leaves the room. The client reaches for it and falls out of bed. The nurse could be charged with which of the following?

1. Assault
2. Battery
3. Negligence
4. Criminal intent

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Assault is the threat to touch another person unjustifiably.
Rationale 2: Battery is the willful touching of a person that may cause harm.
Rationale 3: Negligence is an example of a tort law. Negligence occurs when something is accidental and harm results, as in this case. Another example of negligence would be if surgical instruments or bandages are accidentally left in a client during surgery.
Rationale 4: Criminal intent implies preplanned actions that are illegal.