Final answer:
A nurse should note potential abuse situations such as theft of painkillers by healthcare workers, which leads to serious patient risks like infections. Also, recognizing signs of elder abuse is crucial, and nurse protocols that promote oversight and clear communication within the medical team can help prevent abuse and neglect.
Step-by-step explanation:
A potential abuse situation a nurse should make note of includes situations where a healthcare worker is caught stealing syringes of painkillers, which not only suggests substance abuse issues but can also lead to serious infections among patients. This particular setting is described in an incident where a healthcare worker was found replacing syringes with unknown substances, eventually leading to patients testing positive for HIV, highlighting the grave risk of such behavior.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of elder abuse, which can include physical signs of mistreatment, emotional changes, or signs of neglect. Nurses should be vigilant in noticing these indicators as they often work closely with elderly patients. Factors that may increase the risk of caregiver abuse include inexperience, high stress, and lack of support, according to Kohn and Verhoek-Oftedahl (2011).
Importance of Oversight and Communication
Nurse protocols that include reviewing procedural items with the medical team and addressing equipment issues can help maintain patient safety and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect. Moreover, understanding the professional dynamics between doctors and nurses is paramount, as differences in authority and reaction to protocols can impact care quality and patient safety.