Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse ( 8 Questions)
"Reporting the suspected abuse to appropriate authorities." This is the priority action. The nurse has an ethical and legal obligation to protect the patient's safety. Suspicion of abuse must be reported to safeguard the patient from further harm.
"Assuring the patient that everything will be kept confidential." While confidentiality is important, it should not override the need to protect the patient's safety. Reporting suspected abuse takes precedence over maintaining confidentiality in this situation.
"Encouraging the patient to confront the suspected abuser." Directly confronting the suspected abuser could potentially escalate the situation and jeopardize the patient's safety. Reporting to authorities is a more appropriate course of action.
"Documenting the injuries without further investigation." Documenting injuries is important for the patient's medical record, but it does not address the immediate safety concern. Reporting the abuse is essential to ensure proper intervention.
Choice A rationale:
"Reporting the suspected abuse to appropriate authorities." This is the priority action. The nurse has an ethical and legal obligation to protect the patient's safety. Suspicion of abuse must be reported to safeguard the patient from further harm.
Choice B rationale:
"Assuring the patient that everything will be kept confidential." While confidentiality is important, it should not override the need to protect the patient's safety. Reporting suspected abuse takes precedence over maintaining confidentiality in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
"Encouraging the patient to confront the suspected abuser." Directly confronting the suspected abuser could potentially escalate the situation and jeopardize the patient's safety. Reporting to authorities is a more appropriate course of action.
Choice D rationale:
"Documenting the injuries without further investigation." Documenting injuries is important for the patient's medical record, but it does not address the immediate safety concern. Reporting the abuse is essential to ensure proper intervention.