In order to protect clients, what does the licensee have the authority to do regarding exterior doors?

The correct choice indicates that the licensee has the authority to lock exterior doors, provided that clients have the ability to exit the facility safely. This aligns with the fundamental principle of ensuring client safety and welfare. It's crucial for licensees to maintain a secure environment while allowing clients access to leave when necessary.

Locking the doors while still allowing clients to exit protects them from potential external dangers and helps in managing safety protocols without infringing upon their rights. This balance is vital in supportive environments where client autonomy is respected.

The other options do not prioritize client safety in the same effective manner. Keeping doors open at all times could create security risks for clients, locking them only during the day does not address nighttime safety, and locking doors as a form of punishment is not an acceptable practice and violates ethical standards in client care. Thus, the option regarding locking doors while ensuring clients can exit captures the essence of responsible care in a licensed environment.