Question

A home health nurse is completing an admission assessment of an older adult client who has their caregiver present. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of elder abuse?

a) Presence of multiple medications in the home
b) History of chronic medical conditions
c) Unexplained bruising on the client's body
d) Client's preference for specific dietary habits

Answer 1

Unexplained bruising on an elder's body is a potential indicator of elder abuse, which can take many forms and is often underreported.

Step-by-step explanation:

A home health nurse identifying potential indications of elder abuse should carefully observe various signs. Among the given options, unexplained bruising on the client’s body is a potential indicator of physical abuse. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and more. It is often underreported and can be perpetuated by both family caregivers and paid caregivers, especially under conditions of stress, inexperience, and lack of support. Factors such as dependency on the elder and a history of depression in the caregiver may increase the likelihood of abuse. Moreover, the elderly with health issues, such as dementia, are at increased risk of suffering mistreatment.