Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A charge nurse is planning an in-service for newly licensed nurses on tort law in mental health care. Which of the following scenarios should the charge nurse provide as an example of an unintentional tort?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A because it represents an unintentional tort known as negligence. Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to adhere to the standard of care expected in their profession, such as not clarifying a difficult prescription, leading to a medication error. This can result in harm to the client unintentionally.
Choice B is incorrect as it involves a breach of confidentiality, which is not classified as an unintentional tort but rather a violation of privacy laws.
Choice C is incorrect as it involves an intentional tort (false imprisonment) due to the nurse's actions of placing the client in mechanical restraints without proper authorization.
Choice D is incorrect as it involves an intentional tort (assault) because the nurse threatened physical harm to the client.
Choice B is incorrect as it involves a breach of confidentiality, which is not classified as an unintentional tort but rather a violation of privacy laws.
Choice C is incorrect as it involves an intentional tort (false imprisonment) due to the nurse's actions of placing the client in mechanical restraints without proper authorization.
Choice D is incorrect as it involves an intentional tort (assault) because the nurse threatened physical harm to the client.