What term describes unauthorized touching of a patient, even if no harm occurs?

What term describes unauthorized touching of a patient, even if no harm occurs?

• A. Assault
• B. Informed consent
• C. Battery (unauthorized touching)
• D. Negligence

Answer: (C)

This item tests understanding of unauthorized physical contact in a healthcare setting. Battery is the term for intentional, unwanted touch performed without a patient’s consent, regardless of whether any harm results. The touch itself is the issue, not whether injury occurs. Assault involves threats or attempts to cause contact that would be harmful or offensive, creating fear of imminent contact, but it does not require actual contact. Informed consent is the permission given by a patient to proceed with a procedure; with consent, touching isn’t battery. Negligence centers on failing to meet the standard of care and causing harm as a result; it isn’t about whether contact occurred without consent. So, unauthorized touching, even without harm, fits battery because the contact is intentional and without consent.

This item tests understanding of unauthorized physical contact in a healthcare setting. Battery is the term for intentional, unwanted touch performed without a patient’s consent, regardless of whether any harm results. The touch itself is the issue, not whether injury occurs.

Assault involves threats or attempts to cause contact that would be harmful or offensive, creating fear of imminent contact, but it does not require actual contact. Informed consent is the permission given by a patient to proceed with a procedure; with consent, touching isn’t battery. Negligence centers on failing to meet the standard of care and causing harm as a result; it isn’t about whether contact occurred without consent.

So, unauthorized touching, even without harm, fits battery because the contact is intentional and without consent.