Final answer:
It is false that nurses are only encouraged and not legally obligated to report elder abuse. Healthcare professionals must report any suspicions of abuse according to law, and elder abuse is prevalent and often unreported for various reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a nurse is encouraged, but not legally obligated to report suspicion of abuse in an elderly patient is false. Nurses, like other healthcare professionals, are often required by law to report any suspicions of abuse to the proper authorities. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, neglect, and financial abuse. Studies suggest that one in ten elderly individuals may suffer from at least one form of abuse, and this abuse is often perpetrated by caregivers rather than strangers. There are many reasons why victims might not report abuse, including fear of retaliation, considering it a private matter, or to protect the abuser.