If a radiographer touches a patient without asking first, the technologist may be accused of:

In the context of a radiographer touching a patient without prior consent, the situation can be classified as battery. Battery is defined as the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person. In healthcare, it is crucial for practitioners to obtain consent before performing any kind of physical examination or procedure on a patient. When a radiographer initiates contact without permission, it can be viewed as an infringement on the patient's personal autonomy and can lead to legal ramifications.

The concept of informed consent is vital in healthcare practice; however, battery specifically addresses the actual act of unwanted touching. Therefore, while violations of informed consent occur when the patient has not been adequately informed about the procedures or risks, battery pertains directly to the physical act itself without consent. This distinction is key in understanding the legal implications associated with inappropriate patient interaction in a clinical setting.