A charge nurse is planning an in-service for newly licensed nurses on tort law in mental health care. Which of the following scenarios should the charge nurse provide as an example of an unintentional tort?

Choice A reason: An unintentional tort occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions or inactions cause harm to a patient without intent to harm. In this scenario, the nurse’s failure to clarify a difficult-to-read prescription, resulting in a medication error, is an example of negligence, which is an unintentional tort. Choice B reason: Posting private information about a client on social media is a breach of confidentiality and an intentional tort. This action is deliberate and violates the client’s right to privacy. Choice C reason: Placing a client in mechanical restraints without obtaining a prescription, resulting in injury, is an intentional tort. This action involves a deliberate decision to restrain the client without proper authorization, leading to harm. Choice D reason: Threatening a client with physical harm is an example of assault, which is an intentional tort. This involves a deliberate act to cause the client to fear imminent harm.