If a radiographer performs an intravenous urogram (IVU) on a patient who was supposed to have had a lumbar spine series, what legal charge may result?

In this scenario, the correct answer is battery. Battery in a medical context refers to the unauthorized touching or treatment of a patient. When a radiographer performs an intravenous urogram on a patient who was scheduled for a lumbar spine series without proper consent or instruction, it constitutes a violation of the patient’s autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their medical care. This kind of action can lead to charges of battery because the patient did not agree to the specific procedure performed, thus leading to potential harm or risk associated with an unnecessary procedure.

Negligence involves a failure to provide the standard of care, while malpractice relates to professional misconduct or failure to perform duties competently, but these would require additional elements to be proven, such as a breach of duty resulting in harm. Assault typically involves the threat of harm or an attempt to cause harm, rather than the actual act itself. In this case, the core issue is the unauthorized procedure performed, making battery the most applicable legal charge.