A patient who was admitted voluntarily to the hospital verbally refuses his medication. The nurse proceeds to give the medication over the patient's objections. What is the legal significance of the nurse's actions?
1. The nurse cannot be held liable.
2. The nurse could be charged with battery.
3. The nurse could be charged with negligence.
4. The nurse could be charged with malpractice.
Answer: 2
Explanation: Medication can be administered against the patient's wishes only if there is a treatment order from a judge or the patient is a danger to self or others. Unauthorized treatment without consent may constitute medical battery because it is a form of unlawful touching. Malpractice refers to the negligent acts of health care professionals when they fail to act in a responsible and prudent manner. Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to act in a manner in which most reasonable and prudent nurses would act. The nurse is liable for these actions.
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