An 80-year-old woman lived with her eldest daughter, the daughter’s hu

An 80-year-old woman lived with her eldest daughter, the daughter’s husband, and their three children. On this visit, the nurse noted the woman looked dehydrated and seemed depressed. Both wrists were red and scabbed.

An 80-year-old woman lived with her eldest daughter, the daughter’s husband, and their three children. On this visit, the nurse noted the woman looked dehydrated and seemed depressed. Both wrists were red and scabbed. When asked if she was all right, the woman protested she was fine and her daughter took good care of her. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse?
a.
Begin the paperwork to have the elderly woman put in a nursing home
b.
Discuss respite care and other stress relief measures with the daughter
c.
Report the elder abuse to the state department of aging
d.
Review with the total family how to share responsibilities for the woman’s care

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Working with victims of elder abuse, the nurse must establish rapport and trust. The nurse should remember that competent adults have the right to make decisions about their own care, including staying in an abusive situation. The nurse should support the family in examining potential respite care options and support groups for the elderly woman and her caregivers.