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?

A. A nurse did not clarify a client's prescription that was difficult to read, resulting in a medication error. This is an example of an unintentional tort, specifically negligence. Unintentional torts occur when harm results from a nurse’s failure to follow the standard of care. In this case, failing to clarify an unclear prescription led to a preventable medication error, which could harm the client. B. A nurse posted private information on social media about a client who has a substance use disorder. This is an intentional tort, specifically invasion of privacy. Sharing a client’s personal health information without consent violates confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA, and is a breach of professional ethics. C. A nurse placed a client in mechanical restraints without obtaining a prescription, resulting in injury. This is an intentional tort, specifically false imprisonment. The improper use of restraints without authorization or justification violates a client’s rights and can lead to legal consequences, especially if harm occurs. D. A nurse threatened a client with physical harm after the client became verbally abusive to staff members. This is an intentional tort, specifically assault. Assault occurs when a person is threatened with harm, causing fear, even if physical contact does not occur. Verbal threats of physical harm meet this definition.