In safety terms, which term describes the threat of action on a patient?

• A. Battery
• B. Assault
• C. Neglect
• D. Harm

Answer: (B)

Assault describes the threat or attempt to cause unwanted contact or harm, and it involves placing the patient in reasonable fear of imminent harm. In safety terms, this focuses on the intimidation or coercive action that could injure, even if no physical contact actually occurs. That distinguishes it from battery, which requires actual harmful or non-consensual physical contact. Neglect refers to failing to provide needed care, often through omission, and harm is a broad term for injury or damage without specifying the act of threatening or attempting harm. Because the question centers on the threat of action rather than actual contact, assault is the best fit.