Question

The resident would not be quiet during dinner, so the nurse isolated her in the closet for two hours. Which of the following options BEST identifies this action?

1) Involuntary seclusion
2) False imprisonment
3) Invasion of privacy
4) Neglect

Answer 1

The nurse's action of isolating a resident in a closet can be best classified as involuntary seclusion, which is a recognized form of elder abuse in healthcare settings, rather than false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, or neglect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action described in the question is best identified as involuntary seclusion. Isolating a resident in a closet as a form of discipline or for any other reason without the resident's consent can be classified as involuntary seclusion, which is a type of elder abuse. It is commonly understood in the context of elder care and is often addressed in legal and healthcare regulations. False imprisonment is another potential concern, as it involves the unlawful restraint of an individual's freedom of movement, but in the context of a healthcare facility and with regard to typical terminology used in such settings, involuntary seclusion is the more precise term. Ruling out invasion of privacy and neglect, although these are also serious concerns in healthcare settings, the specific act of confinement against the will of a person, particularly in such a restrictive and inappropriate space like a closet, is not typically characterized by these terms.