Using restraints without a legal warrant on a client may lead to which legal charge?

• A. Assault
• B. Battery
• C. False imprisonment
• D. Invasion of privacy

Answer: (C)

Confining a client without legal authority removes their freedom of movement, which is false imprisonment. This charge fits because the restriction is imposed without a valid warrant or appropriate justification. Assault would involve a threat of harm, and battery would be actual harmful contact, while invasion of privacy concerns improper intrusion into a person’s private matters. In practice, restraints require a valid order, the least restrictive option, ongoing assessment, and prompt documentation—and should be discontinued as soon as safety allows.