Which of the following terms refers to an act that results in injury without consent?

The term that refers to an act resulting in injury without consent is battery. In the context of legal and ethical standards, battery specifically describes a situation where one individual intentionally causes harmful or offensive contact with another individual without their consent. This can involve physical harm but can also extend to actions that cause emotional distress or psychological harm.

Understanding battery is crucial in both legal contexts and in the practice of physical therapy, as therapists must always ensure they have informed consent from patients before engaging in any physical treatment. Actions taken without consent, even if intended for therapeutic benefit, can lead to accusations of battery if the patient experiences injury or discomfort as a result.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately define the scenario described. Assault typically refers to the act of threatening someone with physical harm or creating fear of such harm, while fraud involves deception for personal gain, and consent refers to the agreement or permission given by an individual for something to occur. Therefore, battery is the term that most accurately addresses injuries inflicted without consent.