What constitutes battery in a medical context?

In the medical context, battery is commonly understood as the unauthorized touching of an individual, which typically implies that the action is performed without that person's consent. This definition emphasizes the legal and ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to respect the autonomy and personal space of their patients.

When a healthcare provider touches a patient for any procedure or examination without explicit consent, it is considered battery because it violates the patient's rights. Consent should be informed, voluntary, and given by the individual who is of sound mind.

While the other options describe situations that may involve ethical violations or malpractice, they do not directly define battery. Providing medication without proper documentation could relate to negligence or malpractice, while improper obtaining of informed consent involves informed consent processes rather than physical contact. Retaining a patient against their will could invoke legal issues around false imprisonment rather than battery.