A 3-year-old child with eczema of the face and arms has disregarded the nurse’s warnings to “stop scratching, or else!” The nurse finds the toddler scratching so intensely that the arms are bleeding. The nurse then ties the toddler’s arms to the crib sides, saying, “I’m going to teach you one way or another.” How should the nurse’s behavior be interpreted?
1
These actions can be construed as assault and battery.
2
The problem was resolved with forethought and accountability.
3
Skin must be protected, and the actions taken were by a reasonably prudent nurse.
4
The nurse had tried to reason with the toddler and expected understanding and cooperation.