Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardClient Rights and Advocacy

A resident at an extended care facility, who is alert but has a history of early-stage dementia, privately shares a concern with the practical nurse (PN). The resident states, "My oldest child handles my finances as my power of attorney, but they are spending my savings on themselves. I cannot even afford basic toiletries." Which action is the priority for the PN?

  1. Report the suspected financial exploitation immediately to the designated safeguarding authority.Answer
  2. B
    Delay the official report until concrete banking records are obtained to prove the allegations.
  3. C
    Contact the resident's other relatives to verify if the financial claims are accurate.
  4. D
    Perform a comprehensive cognitive assessment to confirm the resident's mental competency.

Answer

The correct action is to report the suspected financial exploitation immediately to the designated safeguarding authority.
Nurses are mandated reporters and are legally obligated to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation immediately to the appropriate authorities or the facility's designated safeguarding officer. The nurse does not need concrete proof to make a report, as investigating the claim is the responsibility of specialized agencies (like Adult Protective Services). By reporting the concern without delay, the PN serves as an advocate for the vulnerable client's rights and safety.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement and current situation.
The resident is describing a clear scenario of financial exploitation by their power of attorney.
Recognizing the signs of abuse or neglect is the first step in client advocacy.
2
Evaluate the PN's legal obligations regarding the client's disclosure.
The PN identifies that they are a mandated reporter for suspected abuse, including financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Healthcare professionals are legally bound to protect vulnerable populations by reporting suspicions without delay.
3
Determine the impact of the client's dementia diagnosis on the reporting process.
The diagnosis of early-stage dementia does not alter the PN's duty to report the suspicion.
A cognitive deficit does not mean the abuse did not happen; adult protective services will investigate the validity of the claims.
4
Select the most appropriate immediate action.
The PN must report the concern directly to the facility's designated officer or state adult protective services.
Immediate reporting advocates for the client's rights and safety while remaining within the PN scope of practice.

Key Concept

Mandated Reporting and Client Advocacy
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

Client Rights and Advocacy

More questions from this topic