A nurse in the Neonatal ICU administers adult-strength digitalis (Digoxin, Lanoxin) to a 3-pound infant. As a result, the neonate experiences permanent heart and brain damage. The nurse can be charged with ____

The nurse could be charged with malpractice, which is failing to perform, or performing an act that causes harm to the client. Giving the infant an overdose, even if accidental, is malpractice. Negligence is failing to perform the proper standard of care for a patient; a tort is a wrongful act committed on the patient or the patient's belongings; and assault is a violent physical or verbal attack.