A patient, aged 77 years, has Alzheimer's disease and lives with her daughter. While checking her blood pressure at the clinic, the nurse noticed fresh bruises on the patient's palms and buttocks. The patient could not explain these bruises. The nurse discussed her observations with the daughter, who became defensive and said that her mother was very difficult to manage. She stated, "My mother is getting worse every week. She is not my mother anymore. She can't recognize me, and she wanders all night. We take turns because she has to be watched constantly. Last night I fell asleep, and she fell down the stairs while wandering."Â Which statement is most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse observed bruises on the patient's palms and buttocks.
Step 2: The patient could not explain these bruises.
Step 3: The daughter mentioned the patient's worsening condition and the incident of falling down the stairs.
Step 4: The daughter's statement indicates the patient's deteriorating cognitive and physical abilities.
Step 5: The daughter's challenges in managing the patient are due to the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Step 6: There is no explicit evidence or indication of elder abuse based on the provided information.
Step 7: Reporting the injuries without clear signs of abuse may harm the patient's relationship with the daughter.
Step 8: Therefore, the most appropriate action is not to report the injuries based on the available data to avoid potential harm.
Summary:
- Choice A is correct as reporting the injuries is not indicated by the available data.
- Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as there is no clear evidence of elder abuse in the scenario