Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What should a nurse do if they suspect caregiver abuse of an elderly patient?

1. Confront the caregiver directly

2. Inform the police immediately

3. Document and notify the charge nurse

4. No action is necessary

The correct answer is: Document and notify the charge nurse

When a nurse suspects caregiver abuse of an elderly patient, it is imperative to document the findings and notify the charge nurse. This action is essential for several reasons. First, proper documentation provides a clear, factual account of observations, changes in the patient's condition, and any signs of potential abuse. This written record is vital for ongoing assessments and can be critical if further investigation is warranted. Second, notifying the charge nurse ensures that the concerns are escalated to the appropriate supervisory level. The charge nurse can facilitate the involvement of additional resources, such as social services or the facility's abuse prevention team, to investigate the matter thoroughly and discreetly while ensuring the patient's safety. It is crucial to avoid confronting the caregiver directly, as this can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize the patient's safety. Furthermore, while informing law enforcement may eventually be necessary, the immediate step is to follow the facility's protocols for reporting abuse, usually beginning with internal notification. Lastly, taking no action is not an option, as it could put the patient at further risk and fail to fulfill the nurse's ethical and legal obligations to protect vulnerable individuals.