A nurse educator is providing an educational session on negligence. Which of the following situations is an example of nurse negligence?

Choice A rationale Negligence is defined as a failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably prudent nurse would provide in a similar situation, leading to potential harm. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that requires monitoring of vital signs because it decreases heart rate and blood pressure. By omitting the assessment, the nurse breaches the duty of care. Normal systolic blood pressure is typically 90 to 120 mmHg, and heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Choice B rationale Shouting and physically snatching an object from a client represents battery or assault rather than negligence. Battery involves intentional, non-consensual physical contact, while assault involves creating an apprehension of harmful contact. While the nurse's behavior is unprofessional and violates client rights to autonomy and dignity, it is classified as an intentional tort. Negligence is usually an unintentional failure to perform a required nursing action, such as an assessment or safety check, rather than an aggressive outburst. Choice C rationale This action constitutes battery and a violation of the right to informed consent. Administering medications secretly after a competent client has refused is an intentional act of deception and physical violation. Ethical principles of autonomy dictate that an alert and oriented client has the absolute right to refuse any treatment. Hiding medication in food or drink is an intentional tort, which differs from negligence, where the nurse accidentally forgets a standard protocol or safety procedure. Choice D rationale Restraining a client against their will without a specific medical order or emergency justification constitutes false imprisonment. This is an intentional tort where a person is restricted in their personal liberty without legal authority. Negligence involves a lack of proper care or attention to detail, whereas applying restraints to a person who wants to leave is a deliberate restriction of movement. The nurse must follow strict protocols and obtain provider orders to legally apply any restrictive devices.