Which actions are considered medical battery by a nurse?

Medical battery occurs when a healthcare provider performs a medical procedure without the consent of the patient or their legal representative, thereby violating the patient's autonomy. In this context, administering medication without informing a competent client represents a clear violation of the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.

Informed consent is a foundational aspect of patient care, which includes providing the necessary information regarding the medication, its purpose, potential risks, and expected outcomes. When a nurse administers medication without the patient's knowledge or consent, it not only disregards the individual's autonomy but also exposes the healthcare provider to legal liability. The patient has the right to be involved in their treatment decisions, and failure to respect that right constitutes medical battery.

Other options provided may involve situations that require careful consideration and may come under the scope of ethical dilemmas or necessary safety interventions but do not inherently represent medical battery as clearly as the administration of medication without consent does. Thus, the choice regarding administering medication without informing a competent client aligns specifically with the definition and implications of medical battery.