Which nursing behavior constitutes an intentional tort?

• A. Failing to document a routine vital sign
• B. Divulging private information about a client's health status to the media
• C. Administering a medication without a valid order
• D. Refusing to treat a patient due to personal bias

Answer: (B)

Intentional torts involve deliberate acts that infringe on another person’s rights. Sharing a client’s private health information with the media is a conscious disclosure that violates confidentiality and HIPAA protections, constituting an intentional invasion of privacy. This action is purposeful and harms the client’s right to control personal health information, which is why it’s classified as an intentional tort.

Failing to document routine vital signs is better understood as a lapse in the standard of care, a negligence issue rather than an intentional harm. Administering a medication without a valid order is a serious safety breach and could lead to malpractice or, in some situations, battery depending on consent and jurisdiction, but it’s generally categorized as negligence or unlawful practice rather than the classic intentional tort of invasion of privacy. Refusing to treat a patient due to personal bias is unethical and discriminatory and may lead to professional discipline or civil claims, but it isn’t the clearest example of an intentional tort focused on rights infringement like privacy invasion.