Which of the following actions represents assault in a healthcare setting?

In a healthcare context, assault refers to the act of threatening or attempting to harm a patient, creating a reasonable fear of harm. When a nurse informs a client that they will administer an injection despite the client's refusal, it suggests a disregard for the client's autonomy and consent. This action can lead the client to feel threatened or coerced, as it implies that the nurse will proceed with the injection regardless of the client's wishes. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal principle in healthcare, and the failure to respect a patient's choice can constitute a form of assault.

The other actions, while potentially problematic, do not necessarily fall under the legal definition of assault. Giving medication without consent may violate principles of informed consent and may lead to legal repercussions, but informing a client of an injection with refusal heightens the threat implicit in the situation. Restraining a disruptive client might be justified in some circumstances to protect the patient or others, depending on the situation. Performing a procedure without discussion could breach ethical practices concerning informed consent but doesn't inherently suggest the immediate threat present in the scenario described.