In a staff presentation on ethics, which example would be included as false imprisonment?

• A. Putting a client in a geriatric chair with the lap tray in front to watch TV
• B. Giving all options for patient autonomy
• C. Respecting a patient’s right to refuse treatment
• D. Maintaining privacy during rounds

Answer: (A)

False imprisonment means confining a patient against their will or without proper authorization, restricting their freedom of movement. In the example, placing a client in a geriatric chair with a lap tray in front to watch TV can function as a restraint if it prevents the patient from getting up or moving freely and there isn’t a valid safety reason or consent documented for that restriction. It’s not about patient autonomy or privacy; those concepts involve voluntary decisions and dignity, not being kept in place. The other scenarios illustrate respecting autonomy (giving patients choices) or protecting privacy during care, which do not involve restricting movement.