A 3-year-old child with eczema scratches until arms bleed; the nurse ties the arms to the crib and states, 'I'll teach you one way or another.' How should this behavior be interpreted?

• A. Assault and battery
• B. Neglect
• C. Discipline
• D. Restraint violation

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that using force against a child to punish or coerce, especially with a threatening statement, amounts to intentional harmful contact and intimidation. Tying the child’s arms to the crib is physical restraint, but the nurse’s accompanying remark shows punitive intent rather than a legitimate medical necessity. Assault refers to causing someone to fear that harmful contact is imminent, and battery is the actual harmful contact itself. In a medical setting, any restraint or physical intervention must be clearly justified for safety, involve parents or guardians, be documented, and use the least restrictive means possible; it must also be overseen by policy and never threaten or punish a patient. This scenario demonstrates abuse rather than appropriate care, so it is best labeled assault and battery.