Question

When the nurse inserts an ordered urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure, and then the client suffers an injury, the client may sue the nurse for which type of tort?

Answer 1

The client may sue the nurse for the tort of battery, as it involves unauthorized and harmful physical contact. If negligence is involved, the client could also claim for medical malpractice.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse inserts a urinary catheter into a client's urethra without the client's consent, and the client suffers an injury as a result, the client may sue the nurse for the tort of battery. The battery is an intentional tort and is defined as unauthorized physical contact with another person that causes harm or offense. Considering the client refused the procedure, this act disregards the client's autonomy and right to informed consent.

In healthcare, it is essential to have the patient's consent before performing any procedure unless there are exceptions like an emergency where the patient is unable to provide consent and immediate action is required to save their life or prevent serious harm. If the injury occurred due to the nurse's negligence, the client might also consider a lawsuit for medical malpractice, which involves the failure to meet the standard of care resulting in harm to the patient.