Which term describes the intentional touching without consent?

• A. Assault
• B. Negligence
• C. Malpractice
• D. Battery

Answer: (D)

Battery describes intentional touching that a person does not consent to. In healthcare, this means actually applying contact for care or procedures without obtaining voluntary, informed consent or beyond what was agreed upon. The crucial point is that the act is deliberate and without consent, even if no injury occurs. Assault, on the other hand, is the threat or attempt to cause harmful contact that causes fear of imminent contact. Negligence and malpractice involve failures to meet the expected standard of care and are about unintentional errors, not purposeful touching without consent. So the term that fits is battery.