Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which action is categorized under "physical abuse"?

1. A Unreasonably holding someone down

2. B Ignoring a patient’s requests

3. C Verbal threats to an elder

4. D Emotional manipulation of dependent adults

The correct answer is: A Unreasonably holding someone down

The action categorized under "physical abuse" is unreasonably holding someone down. This behavior involves the use of physical force to restrain or control another individual against their will, which constitutes a direct violation of their physical autonomy and can cause physical harm or fear. Physical abuse is recognized as any intentional act that causes physical harm or pain to another person, and such actions can result in both physical injuries and psychological trauma for the victim. In contrast, the other options focus on forms of non-physical abuse. Ignoring a patient’s requests represents neglect rather than physical harm. Verbal threats to an elder, while serious, fall under emotional or psychological abuse, not physical abuse. Similarly, emotional manipulation of dependent adults pertains to psychological abuse and does not involve the use of physical force. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing and addressing various types of abuse effectively.