A medical assistant is preparing a patient for an injection. The patient seems anxious and has a history of being uncomfortable with needles. Before the assistant can explain the procedure, the patient shouts, 'Don't touch me with that needle, or I'll sue!' If the medical assistant proceeds without consent, which type of legal accusation might the assistant be facing?
Proceeding with a procedure after a patient has explicitly refused or expressed dissent may lead to an accusation of assault, as it involves an intentional act that causes the patient to fear an imminent harmful or offensive contact without their consent. Battery is the actual physical contact that is harmful or offensive, which is not the case here since the question states the procedure has not yet occurred. Negligence and malpractice relate to the failure in meeting the standard of care, not the immediate threat perceived by the patient.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is the difference between assault and battery in a medical context?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the legal implications of proceeding without patient consent?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How can medical assistants manage patient anxiety about injections?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
AAMA CMA
General
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access