Under what condition could a nursing assistant be guilty of false imprisonment?

A nursing assistant could be guilty of false imprisonment if they restrain a patient without the proper authority. False imprisonment occurs when an individual is confined against their will without legal justification. In a healthcare setting, restraints can only be applied when a patient poses a threat to themselves or others, and typically require specific protocols, authorization, and often the involvement of supervisory staff or physicians. Using restraints improperly or without consent or proper procedure disregards the patient’s right to freedom and autonomy, which constitutes false imprisonment.

The other options do not fit the legal definition of false imprisonment. Restricting visitors may be part of facility policy for infection control or patient well-being, yelling at a patient could be considered unprofessional behavior or abuse but not imprisonment, and closing a door by itself does not restrict the movement or freedom of a patient unless coupled with further actions that confine them against their will. Thus, it is the act of restraining patients without authorization that aligns with the legal definition of false imprisonment.