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 B
Explanation
Neglect refers to the refusal or failure to provide an elderly person with necessary care, such as food, water, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, and other essentials of daily living. Signs and symptoms of neglect in elders can include: dehydration, malnutrition, bed sores, fractures, urinary tract infections, contractures, over-medication, elopements, and poor personal hygiene. An elderly client who is admitted to the hospital looking unkempt, with dirty clothing, and smelling of urine may be suffering from neglect by a caregiver or by themselves (self-neglect).
Choice A is wrong because institutionalism is not a type of elder abuse but a term that describes the loss of individuality and autonomy that can occur in institutional settings such as nursing homes.
Choice C is wrong because emotional abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, intimidation, or other abusive conduct. Signs and symptoms of emotional abuse in elders can include: depression, confusion, withdrawal, isolation from friends and family. An elderly client who smells of urine may not necessarily be emotionally abused.
Choice D is wrong because stubborn behavior is not a type of elder abuse but a personality trait that may or may not be present in an elderly person.
Stubborn behavior does not indicate any harm or neglect inflicted upon an older adult by others or themselves.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is an example of secondary prevention, which is the action taken to stop the progress of the disease at the initial stage and prevent complications. An echocardiogram can help diagnose the severity and cause of heart failure and guide the treatment plan.
A client who has a family history of breast cancer and is scheduled for a mammogram is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is early detection of a disease before it progresses. Secondary prevention can include screenings and other forms of diagnostic tests.
This is an example of tertiary prevention, which is the action taken to stop the progress of the disease at the initial stage and prevent complication. An echocardiogram can help diagnose the severity and cause of heart failure and guide the treatment plan.
Choice C is wrong because it is not an example of any level of prevention.
A client who is asymptomatic is not scheduled for a series of tests because there is no indication of any disease or risk factor.
Choice D is wrong because it is an example of primary prevention, which is the action taken to prevent the development of disease.
A client who is scheduled to receive an influenza vaccination is protected from getting infected by the virus and developing flu-related complications.
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