Question

An older client brought to the emergency room by the caretaker has bruises around the wrist and neck. The client appears unkempt and emaciated. What is the nurses' best action? Inquire if the client is on anticoagulant therapy. Notify an adult protective agency. Notify the nursing supervisor. Document the findings in the client's chart.

Answer 1

The nurse should notify the nursing supervisor and an adult protective agency, document the findings in the client's chart, and possibly inquire about anticoagulant therapy due to the severity of the elder abuse indications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best action when faced with an older client who has bruises around the wrist and neck, appears unkempt and emaciated, is to notify the nursing supervisor and likely an adult protective agency. This situation may suggest elder abuse, which includes the intentional deprivation of care or harm by a caregiver. Due to the severity of the signs, which align with what the National Center on Elder Abuse encourages people to watch for, an immediate investigation by the appropriate authorities is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. In addition, in parallel to reporting, the nurse should thoroughly document the findings in the client's chart for legal and medical record keeping. While inquiring about anticoagulant therapy may explain the bruising, it does not address the client's overall appearance of neglect and potential harm.