What is the consequence of starting an IV on a patient without obtaining consent?

Starting an IV on a patient without obtaining consent constitutes battery. Battery is defined as the intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person without their consent. In a healthcare setting, procedures like starting an IV require patient consent to respect the individual's autonomy and rights. If a healthcare provider performs this action without consent, it is not only a breach of trust but also a legal issue, as the patient has not given permission for the procedure to be carried out.

This understanding is crucial in healthcare practice, as it emphasizes the importance of informed consent prior to any medical procedure, thereby reinforcing the ethical obligations of healthcare providers to respect patient rights.