CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What term is used for the threat to do harm?

1. Assault

2. Battery

3. Slander

4. Libel

The correct answer is: Assault

The term "assault" is defined as an intentional act that creates a reasonable apprehension in another person of imminent harmful or offensive contact. In legal terms, it refers specifically to the threat or the fear of harm, rather than the actual act of causing physical injury. This distinction is crucial; while "battery" involves actual physical contact or harm, "assault" centers on the apprehension of this harm. In the context of the other terms, "slander" refers to the spoken defamation of a person's character, while "libel" pertains to written defamation. Both slander and libel deal with damaging someone's reputation rather than the direct threat of harm. Therefore, recognizing "assault" as the correct term highlights its specific focus on the threat aspect, which is foundational in both legal and medical contexts regarding patient interactions and safety.