An elderly patient tells the nurse that her son cashes her Social Security checks but tells her he does not have enough money to buy her medications. The nurse should investigate this statement because it could reflect which situation?

Question

1. Physical abuse
2. Financial exploitation
3. Emotional abuse
4. Neglect

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may result in injury, pain, or impairment. There is no data to support this concern.
Rationale 2: Financial exploitation is the misuse of an elder's money, property, or assets.
Rationale 3: Emotional abuse involves inflicting pain or distress through verbal or nonverbal means such as insults, threats, or forced social isolation. There is no data to support this concern.
Rationale 4: Neglect is the refusal or failure to fulfill duties to an elder. Neglect may be occurring, but this specific situation is another type of mistreatment.