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
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Type: MCSA
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Which of the following signs would lead the nurse to suspect elder abuse is occurring?
2. Leaving a confused elder at home alone
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1. Leaving a competent elder at the doctors office to wait for an appointment
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4. Skin tears on the arms and hands
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3. Complaints of a person poisoning their food or robbing them
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Leaving a confused elder unattended for long periods of time is a form of
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mistreatment. However, leaving a competent elder at the doctors office to await an appointment
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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
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delusions and should be further investigated if dementia or delusions are ruled out; but are not
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automatic signs of elder abuse.
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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.
