A nurse accidentally administers the wrong medication to a client, which results in a severe allergic reaction and prolongs the client's hospitalization. The client could rightfully sue the nurse for which of the following?
Abuse
Battery
Malpractice
Assault
The Correct Answer is C
A. Abuse refers to the mistreatment of a patient, which does not apply to this scenario as the issue was an error rather than intentional harm.
B. Battery involves intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person; while the wrong medication is harmful, it was not an intentional act of violence.
C. Malpractice is the correct choice because it involves negligence in the professional duties of a healthcare provider, resulting in harm to a patient. The nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering the incorrect medication.
D. Assault refers to the threat of harm or the act of creating fear of harm in another person, which is not applicable in this scenario since the nurse did not threaten the client.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Abuse refers to the mistreatment of a patient, which does not apply to this scenario as the issue was an error rather than intentional harm.
B. Battery involves intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person; while the wrong medication is harmful, it was not an intentional act of violence.
C. Malpractice is the correct choice because it involves negligence in the professional duties of a healthcare provider, resulting in harm to a patient. The nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering the incorrect medication.
D. Assault refers to the threat of harm or the act of creating fear of harm in another person, which is not applicable in this scenario since the nurse did not threaten the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While knowing the location of the assault may be relevant for police reports, it does not directly pertain to the client’s health and potential exposure to HIV.
B. Permission to contact the police is important for legal reasons, but the priority is to address the client's health needs first.
C. Identifying the individual who assaulted the client is critical for assessing the risk of HIV exposure and determining the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This question directly impacts the client’s immediate health care.
D. Understanding the day and time of the assault is useful for legal documentation but is less critical than assessing potential exposure to HIV.