Publication of a false statement about an individual made either verbally or in some other form to the third person?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Defamation is the communication of a false statement to a third party that harms an individual's reputation.
The question describes the core elements of defamation: a false statement that is 'published' (communicated) to a third person.
Defamation encompasses both spoken (slander) and written (libel) false statements, as mentioned in the question ('either verbally or in some other form').

Option A: Battery is a physical act. It involves intentional and offensive touching without consent, not the communication of false statements.
Option B: Displacement is a psychological defense mechanism where emotions are shifted to a safer target. It is a concept from psychiatry, not law.
Option C: Depersonalization is a psychiatric symptom involving a feeling of detachment from oneself. It is a clinical finding related to mental health, not a legal tort.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Legal and Ethical Principles in Nursing as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses have a legal and ethical duty to protect patient privacy and reputation. This includes being careful with both spoken and written communication.
To avoid defamation, nurses must ensure all documentation is factual, objective, and free from personal judgments or unsubstantiated claims. When documenting patient statements, use direct quotes.
Gossiping about patients or colleagues can lead to claims of slander, creating a toxic work environment and legal risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key defining terms: 'false statement,' 'publication' (meaning communicated to a third person), and 'harm to an individual.'
Recognize that these terms describe a legal concept related to damaging someone's reputation.
Next, evaluate the options provided. Ask yourself which term fits the definition.
Eliminate 'Battery' as it relates to physical contact, not statements.
Eliminate 'Displacement' and 'Depersonalization' as they are psychological concepts, not legal torts.
Conclude that 'Defamation' is the legal term that precisely matches the description in the question stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QkdBa3tEUL3En3xTtcZbho

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 101-103

E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart C (pp 655-967 of 982) p. 284-286

Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.