Elder abuse

What characteristics would lead a provider to suspect domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse is taking place within a family? Discuss your facility’s procedure for reporting these types of abuse.

Answer preview

The features indicating elderly abuse that a nurse should monitor include drug overdose or under medication by their family care provides. Also, signs of poor hygiene, malnutrition, or withdrawal when questioned about abuse should signal domestic violence. The older adults can be abused financially, whereby multiple or sudden transfers of money to a family member’s account should be questioned. However, in children, it is easy for caregivers to identify underlying elements of abuse such as burns, fractures, or injuries to other parts of the body accompanied by inconsistent explanations (Richardson et al., 2014). Sexual abuse can also be detected based on Sexually transmitted Diseases for children who are yet to reach puberty. Bruises on the genitalia, anus or thighs, and self-mutilation should suggest physical, sexual violence. However, other aspects of sexual or emotional abuse that a nurse should examine include guilt, shame, and withdrawal, or reduced self-esteem.

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Elder Abuse