Which legal tort is constituted by the nurse's statement?

Assault rationale: assault occurs when a person puts another person in fear of harmful or threatening contact. battery is offensive contact with anothers body. If the nurse actually carried out the threat, battery would also apply. Negligence involves actions that dont meet the standard of care.

The client has the legal right to refuse care. In this situation, the nurse should try to calm the client, allow him time to talk, and then determine if he will take the medications. If the client still won't take the medications, the nurse should document his refusal, note the medications involved, and notify the physician and nursing supervisor. The nurse should follow the facilitys policy related to clients refusing care.