What does "ligature" refer to in a healthcare setting?

In a healthcare setting, "ligature" refers to anything that could potentially be used to hang or strangulate. This term is critical when discussing patient safety, particularly regarding individuals who may be at risk for self-harm or suicide. Understanding the concept of ligature is essential for implementing safety protocols and ensuring an environment that minimizes such risks.

Recognizing items that could be classified as ligatures allows healthcare professionals to take preventive measures, such as removing or securely managing these items in patient care areas. This vigilance is vital in psychiatric units or any facility where patients may exhibit behaviors that could lead to self-harm.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of "ligature" in the context of healthcare, as they pertain to unrelated concepts such as medical instruments or patient identification methods, which do not involve the same safety considerations.