Final answer:
The best nursing action when suspecting elder abuse is to report the suspicion to appropriate authorities following facility policy, not confronting the abuser or discussing it informally.
Step-by-step explanation:
Best Nursing Action for Suspected Elder Abuse
When a nurse suspects elder abuse, the best nursing action is c. Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities per facility policy. This is in accordance with legal and ethical obligations to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable older adults. Documenting the findings with detailed notes about the bruises and any other signs of abuse is crucial for legal and medical reasons.
Confronting the suspected abuser or sharing concerns informally with colleagues is not appropriate as it may compromise the safety of the older adult and the integrity of any subsequent investigation. Instead, nurses should follow established protocols which could include reporting the incident internally and to external authorities such as adult protective services or law enforcement, depending on the severity of the situation and local laws.
Elder abuse can present in various forms such as physical, emotional, financial, neglect, and more. With evidence suggesting a high prevalence of elder abuse, nurses play a critical role in identifying and reporting potential cases to protect the elderly from further harm.