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Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Rights and Advocacy

A practical nurse (PN) is providing morning care for an older adult resident in a long-term care facility. The PN observes several distinct, thumb-shaped bruises on the resident's inner arms. When asked about the bruises, the resident looks down and whispers, "The night aide squeezed me too hard when I wouldn't go to sleep." Which action must the PN take first to advocate for this resident?

  1. Document the resident's exact statement and immediately notify the charge nurse or facility administration.Answer
  2. B
    Monitor the resident closely for the next few days to gather concrete proof before making an official report.
  3. C
    Instruct a day-shift unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to discreetly interview other residents about the night aide.
  4. D
    Approach the resident's visiting family members in the facility hallway to share the resident's allegations.

Answer

Document the resident's exact statement and immediately notify the charge nurse or facility administration.
Practical nurses are legally designated as mandated reporters. When a vulnerable adult presents with suspicious injuries and alleges abuse, the nurse's immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety and report the suspicion to the designated facility authority (such as the charge nurse or administrator). The nurse must objectively document the physical findings and the client's exact words without attempting to investigate the matter independently.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the resident for any immediate physical danger or need for urgent medical treatment.
The resident is determined to be safe in the current moment, as the alleged abuser is no longer present.
Client safety is always the primary and immediate priority in any suspected abuse situation.
2
Listen to the resident's statement and observe physical findings without asking leading questions.
The PN gathers the resident's direct quote regarding the incident and notes the specific location and shape of the bruises.
Preserving the resident's exact words and maintaining objective physical descriptions ensures accurate documentation and aids in the subsequent official investigation.
3
Report the suspected abuse to the immediate supervisor (charge nurse or administrator).
The chain of command is activated to begin a formal investigation, notify authorities, and protect the resident.
Practical nurses are mandated reporters; they are legally obligated to report suspicions of abuse immediately, without waiting for definitive proof.

Key Concept

Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Abuse
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Topics

Client Rights and Advocacy

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