North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

What is the term for unlawful personal violence toward a resident?

1. Assault

2. Battery

3. False imprisonment

4. Neglect

The correct answer is: Battery

The term "battery" refers specifically to the unlawful and intentional application of force to another person, which includes causing harmful or offensive contact. When it comes to the context of caregiving and interactions with residents, battery means, for example, physically hitting or otherwise causing physical harm to a resident without their consent. This is a critical concept in the healthcare environment because it underscores the importance of respecting the dignity and rights of residents. Understanding this term is essential for healthcare workers, as it emphasizes the legal and ethical obligation to provide care without causing harm. In contrast, while assault can also refer to a threat or attempt to inflict harm, it does not necessarily involve physical contact. False imprisonment involves unlawfully restricting a person's freedom of movement, and neglect refers to failing to provide appropriate care or assistance to a resident. Each of these other terms pertains to different actions that may also be considered unlawful, but they do not specifically denote unlawful personal violence in the manner that battery does.