Test Bank forPsychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse, Second Edition: A How-To Gui

Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Assessment Learning Outcome: Synthesize the key components of a biopsychosocial assessment into the plan of care for an older client.

Question 14 Type: MCSA Which of the following signs would lead the nurse to suspect elder abuse is occurring?

1. Leaving a competent elder at the doctors office to wait for an appointment 2. Leaving a confused elder at home alone 3. Complaints of a person poisoning their food or robbing them 4. Skin tears on the arms and hands Correct Answer: 2 Rationale 1: Leaving a confused elder unattended for long periods of time is a form of mistreatment. However, leaving a competent elder at the doctors office to await an appointment is not neglect or abandonment. Abrasions, sprains, and dislocations can be signs of coercion; however, most elders skin is very friable and skin tears are often the result of unintentionally hitting a sharp object. Suspiciousness or persecutory complaints may be a sign of dementia or delusions and should be further investigated if dementia or delusions are ruled out; but are not automatic signs of elder abuse.

Rationale 2: Leaving a confused elder unattended for long periods of time is a form of mistreatment. However, leaving a competent elder at the doctors office to await an appointment is not neglect or abandonment. Abrasions, sprains, and dislocations can be signs of coercion; however, most elders skin is very friable and skin tears are often the result of unintentionally hitting a sharp object. Suspiciousness or persecutory complaints may be a sign of dementia or delusions and should be further investigated if dementia or delusions are ruled out; but are not automatic signs of elder abuse.