A nurse is caring for a client who wants to leave the facility against medical advice. In an attempt to prevent the client from leaving, an assistive personnel (AP) has hidden the client's car keys. Which of the following torts is the AP committing by hiding the client's car keys?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Assault: Assault involves the threat or attempt to cause harm that makes the client fear imminent injury. Hiding the client’s car keys does not involve a threat or intimidation, so it does not meet the criteria for assault. B. Negligence: Negligence involves failing to provide the standard of care, resulting in harm. While hiding the keys is inappropriate, it is an intentional act rather than a failure to act, so it is not classified as negligence. C. False imprisonment: False imprisonment occurs when a person is intentionally restrained or confined without legal authority or consent. By hiding the client’s car keys to prevent them from leaving, the AP is restricting the client’s freedom of movement, fulfilling the criteria for false imprisonment. D. Battery: Battery involves intentional physical contact that is harmful or offensive. Hiding car keys does not involve direct physical contact with the client, so it does not constitute battery.