Which behavior would be considered sexual abuse by a nurse toward a client?

• A. Physical sexual relations with a client
• B. Regular compassionate care routine
• C. Non-sexual administrative tasks
• D. Providing consent-based medical treatment

Answer: (A)

Boundaries and consent in nursing are essential. Sexual activity with a client is a clear breach of professional boundaries and constitutes sexual abuse because the nurse holds power and trust over the client, making true voluntary consent unreliable. Such behavior harms the client, violates ethics codes, and is typically illegal, regardless of any perceived consent.

The other actions described are appropriate parts of care or medical practice: providing regular compassionate care, handling non-sexual administrative tasks, or delivering treatment with informed consent. None of these involve sexual conduct, so they do not constitute abuse.