Which term describes actual physical harm?

• A. Assault
• B. False Imprisonment
• C. Battery
• D. Appearance

Answer: (C)

Actual physical harm is described by battery. Battery involves intentional contact with another person that is harmful or offensive, and it can occur even if there isn’t a serious injury—the key is unconsented touching that crosses a boundary. In nursing practice, this means performing a procedure or touching someone without their permission when it causes harm or is offensive, which constitutes battery.

In contrast, assault refers to the threat or attempt to cause harmful contact that would put the person in immediate fear of harm, even if no contact actually occurs. False imprisonment is about restraining someone's freedom of movement without justification. Appearance isn’t a term used to describe harm in this context. So the term that describes actual physical harm is battery.