You are treating a patient who you think needs an IV of lactated Ringer's. The patient, however, says he is frightened of needles and refuses to give his consent. If you display the IV catheter and bring it toward the patient, you may be charged with:
A) negligence.
B) assault.
C) battery.
D) libel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assault in the medical context can occur when a healthcare provider intentionally makes a patient fear that they will be touched without consent. In this scenario, showing the IV cathenter and moving it towards the patient after they have refused consent could be perceived as a threat of unwanted contact, constituting assault. Battery would involve actual physical contact without consent, negligence involves a breach of duty causing harm, and libel involves written defamation, none of which directly apply to the described actions.

You Are Treating a Patient Who You Think Needs an IV