Final answer:
A nurse prescribing medication without a doctor's consultation may be charged with practicing medicine without a license or medical malpractice, violating the principle of nonmaleficence and potentially leading to drug abuse or overdoses.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse prescribes medication to a patient without consulting the patient's doctor, this could be considered a tort violation of practicing medicine without a license, or potentially medical malpractice if the nurse is licensed but acting out of the scope of their practice. In many jurisdictions, prescription authority is limited to specific healthcare providers, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, under specified conditions which generally include collaborative or supervisory arrangements with physicians.
Moreover, the principle of nonmaleficence underscores the importance of avoiding harm to patients, an element that is breached when a nurse inappropriately prescribes medication, which could lead to drug abuse or adverse effects. This kind of action violates the trust and safety expectations in a clinical setting and may result in legal consequences for the healthcare provider, and significant harm to the patient including potential overdoses or improper medication management.