The nurse calls security and has physical restraints applied to a client who was admitted voluntarily when the client becomes verbally abusive, demanding to be discharged from the hospital. Which represents the possible legal ramifications for the nurse associated with these interventions?

Choice A reason: Libel involves making false and damaging statements about someone in written form. It is not relevant to the situation described, where the issue is the use of physical restraints on a voluntarily admitted client. Choice B reason: False imprisonment refers to the unlawful restraint of an individual against their will. In this case, applying physical restraints to a voluntarily admitted client who is demanding discharge could be considered false imprisonment if the restraints are not justified by the client’s behavior posing an immediate threat to themselves or others. Choice C reason: Medical beneficence refers to the ethical principle of acting in the best interest of the patient. While this principle guides nursing actions, it does not directly address the legal ramifications of using physical restraints. Choice D reason: Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the patient’s right to make their own decisions. Restraining a voluntarily admitted client who wishes to leave the hospital can violate their autonomy. However, the legal issue at hand is more specifically related to false imprisonment.