Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Telling a patient that you will use a big needle if he doesn't settle down is an example of:

1. Battery

2. Assault

3. Slander

4. Negligence

The correct answer is: Assault

This scenario illustrates assault because it involves a threat or the perception of harm directed at the patient. Assault in the medical context is defined as the act of creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harm in another person, even if no physical contact occurs. By indicating that a big needle will be used if the patient does not calm down, the statement induces fear and concern in the patient about a procedure they may be apprehensive about. The other terms refer to different concepts: Battery involves actual physical contact or harm, slander involves making false spoken statements that damage a person’s reputation, and negligence refers to a failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent healthcare professional would provide, potentially leading to harm. In this case, the focus is on the threat rather than physical harm or reputational damage.