Final answer:
Option (2), Heisler and Quinn argue that practitioners should not prioritize a client's autonomy over actions needed to protect an elder. In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, the well-being and safety of the elder is the top priority.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Heisler and Quinn, practitioners should not protect a client's autonomy to the extent that they fail to take action to protect an elder. The belief in autonomy is paramount in healthcare ethics; however, when it comes to elder care, especially in cases where abuse or neglect is suspected, the safety and well-being of the vulnerable individual must take precedence.
Practitioners have a duty to intervene to protect elders from harm, even if this means overriding the client's autonomy in certain situations.