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?

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.

This is a responsibility of the nurse in the process of informed consent, which is the patient’s choice to have a treatment or procedure based on their full understanding of its benefits, risks, and alternatives. The nurse should provide written materials in the client’s spoken language, when possible, and verify that the client comprehends and consents to the care and procedures.

Choice A is wrong because confirming that the client is competent to sign for the procedure is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only obtain consent when initiating care or reviewing consent before providing care ordered by another health professional.

Choice B is wrong because discussing the risks of the procedure with the client is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only inform the client about what will occur during the procedure and answer any questions they may have.

Choice D is wrong because explaining alternatives to the procedure to the client is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only inform the client about what will occur during the procedure and answer any questions they may have.