A public health nurse is assessing an older adult client who lives with a family member.
The nurse identifies several bruises in various stages of healing. The client and family members explain that the bruises are a result of clumsiness. However, based on the distribution of the bruises, the nurse suspects abuse.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Investigate further to confirm the suspicion.
Report the findings.
Provide the client with a crisis hotline number.
Discuss respite care with the client’s family.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected abuse of a vulnerable client, such as an older adult. Reporting the findings is the first action the nurse should take to protect the client and initiate an investigation by the appropriate authorities.
Choice A is wrong because investigating further to confirm the suspicion is not within the nurse’s scope of practice and could delay the reporting process.
Choice C is wrong because providing the client with a crisis hotline number is not enough to ensure the client’s safety and well-being.
The client might not be able to access the hotline or might be afraid to use it.
Choice D is wrong because discussing respite care with the client’s family is not appropriate at this stage.
The nurse should not assume that the family member is willing or able to provide adequate care for the client.
Respite care might be an option after the abuse is reported and investigated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This type of anemia is caused by the reduced absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine after gastric bypass surgery. Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of healthy red blood cells and nerve function. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include sore tongue, tingling in the fingers, and balance problems.
Choice A is wrong because folic acid deficiency anemia is caused by the lack of folic acid in the diet or increased demand for folic acid, such as during pregnancy.
Folic acid is also needed for red blood cell production, but it does not cause nerve symptoms.
Choice B is wrong because aplastic anemia is caused by the failure of the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells.
It is not related to gastric bypass surgery or nutrient deficiency. It can be caused by infections, drugs, radiation, or autoimmune diseases.
Choice D is wrong because acquired anemia is a general term for any type of anemia that is not inherited or present at birth.
It can have many causes, such as blood loss, infection, inflammation, or chronic disease.
It does not specify the type of anemia or the underlying mechanism. Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12 to 15.5 g/dL for women. Normal ranges for vitamin B12 are 200 to 900 pg/mL.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse has a duty to protect the patient’s rights and well-being, and to report any signs of abuse or neglect. Financial abuse is defined as someone illegally or improperly using an elder’s money or belongings for their own personal use. It is a common form of elder abuse and can have serious consequences for the victim’s physical and mental health.
The nurse should not assume that the son has the patient’s best interest in mind (choice A), as this may not be the case.
The nurse should not ignore the situation or dismiss it as a non-clinical issue (choice B), as this would violate the nurse’s ethical and legal obligations. The nurse should not notify the primary care physician that the patient can no longer care for himself (choice C), as this may not be true and may infringe on the patient’s autonomy and dignity.
The nurse should respect the patient’s wishes and help him to exercise his rights and choices.
The nurse should also provide support and resources to the patient, such as counselling, legal aid, or social services.
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