Author Question: When a cognitively impaired, wealthy, white client is noted to have burns on her upper back, her son ... (Read 103 times)

tfester · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

When a cognitively impaired, wealthy, white client is noted to have burns on her upper back, her son states that the patient burned herself when attempting to shower.

Which statement by a member of the team reflects a need for further education on elder abuse? (Select all that apply.)
a. She is wealthy; abuse does not happen in people of financial means.
b. Even if we are not sure, we are legally bound to report our suspicions.
c. We need to consider that most abusers are either adult children or spouses.
d. Her cognitive deficiencies put her at risk for elder abuse.
e. The client is white and race places an important role in who is likely to be abused.

Question 2

Which of the following statements made by a family caregiver would a nurse consider most in-dicative of elder abuse?

a. I get so frustrated because my father used to be so competent and now cannot even feed himself.
b. Mom cannot pay her own bills anymore. We went to the bank and arranged for me to have access to her checking account and help her pay the bills.
c. My dad wanders at night and I can't be bothered with him. I mix sleeping pills in his dinner so that he will fall asleep.
d. Mom asks me to do everything for her, but I think it is better if she keeps on do-ing as much as she is capable of.

234sdffa · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, E
Elder abuse occurs among all races and socioeconomic groups in the United States. All suspected incidences of elder abuse should be reported, even if it is just a suspicion. Most abuse occurs in the home setting, the majority of abusers are spouses or children, and the risk of abuse increases with increased dependency of the elder.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Option c is an example of elder mistreatment. While wandering is a serious concern, surrepti-tiously administering sleeping pills is not the best response to this situation and is indicative of elder mistreatment. All of the other situations described are difficult; however, there is no indica-tion of abuse.