Final answer:
The five signs of abuse a nursing assistant should report include unexplained physical injuries, signs of neglect, behavioral changes, unexplained financial transactions, and evidence of sexual abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Five possible signs of abuse that should be reported by a nursing assistant include:
- Physical injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures that cannot be adequately explained or repeatedly occur under suspicious circumstances.
- Signs of neglect like malnutrition, dehydration, or poor hygiene, suggesting the individual is not being properly cared for.
- Behavioral changes such as withdrawal, depression, or anxiety that may indicate emotional or psychological abuse.
- Unexplained financial transactions or changes to legal documents, which may signal financial abuse or exploitation.
- Evidence of sexual abuse, including trauma or infections in genital areas or the reporting of inappropriate sexual behaviors by caregivers.
These signs, as recommended by bodies such as the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), are critical to note as they help in the prompt identification and intervention in cases of elder abuse. Caregivers should be especially vigilant, as those with less training or higher levels of stress and depression have been found to be at an increased risk of being abusive.