Which tort in nursing practice involves intentional touching without the client's consent?

The tort that involves intentional touching without the client's consent is battery. In the context of nursing practice, battery refers to the unlawful application of force to another person. This can occur when a healthcare provider performs a procedure or treatment without obtaining proper consent from the patient. Consent is a fundamental principle in nursing and healthcare that ensures respect for the autonomy and rights of patients. If a nurse were to touch a patient or administer treatment without their explicit consent, this would constitute battery, as it represents an intentional act that harms or violates the individual.

In contrast, the other options refer to different violations in the healthcare setting. Invasion of privacy pertains to breaches regarding the confidentiality of patient information or unauthorized exposure of a patient's personal space. False imprisonment involves restricting a patient's freedom of movement, typically through physical restraints or threats. Defamation of character relates to making false statements that damage an individual's reputation, which is not about physical contact. The specificity of battery in this context highlights the importance of always obtaining informed consent before any physical interaction with a patient.