A nurse in a hospital setting assesses an older adult and is unsure if the assessment data warrant notification to the authorities for elder abuse. Which action is most appropriate for the nurse at this time?
A) Determine if the person has dementia.
B) Discuss findings with the family.
C) Follow the hospital protocol for reporting.
D) Question the visitors.
Ans: C
The nurse is a mandatory reporter for potential elder abuse; the authorities can make the final determination if abuse has occurred or not. Nurses assess all potential contributing conditions but the immediate responsibility is to follow the protocol for reporting. Determining whether the person has dementia is not within the scope of nursing.
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