Form(s) of elder abuse

1. Identify and describe the form(s) of elder abuse experienced in the video. Give examples from the video to support your information.

In the video, several forms of elder abuse are evident:

Physical Abuse: One example is when the elderly woman’s caregiver forcefully grabs her arm and pulls her towards the chair, causing her pain and discomfort.
Emotional Abuse: The caregiver in the video speaks to the elderly woman in a harsh and demeaning tone, belittling her and making her feel insignificant.
Neglect: The video shows the caregiver ignoring the elderly woman’s pleas for assistance and not providing adequate care, such as leaving her sitting in a soiled diaper for an extended period.
Financial Abuse: While not explicitly shown in the video, it is implied that the caregiver may be exploiting the elderly woman financially, as she is shown rummaging through her personal belongings and taking money.

2. What risk factors for elder abuse and/or neglect were evident in the video for the individuals presented?

Several risk factors for elder abuse and neglect are evident in the video:

Isolation: The elderly woman appears to be isolated and dependent on the caregiver, which increases her vulnerability to abuse.
Cognitive Impairment: The elderly woman’s confusion and memory loss make it easier for the caregiver to manipulate and mistreat her without fear of being exposed.
Dependence on Caregiver: The elderly woman relies on the caregiver for daily activities, making her more susceptible to abuse due to power imbalances.
Lack of Supervision and Oversight: The video depicts a situation where there is no one monitoring the caregiver’s actions or providing accountability.

3. What are the nurse’s ethical responsibilities for a client who is a victim of abuse/neglect viewed in the video?

The nurse has several ethical responsibilities when encountering a client who is a victim of abuse or neglect:

Advocacy: The nurse must advocate for the well-being and safety of the client by reporting suspicions of abuse to appropriate authorities and ensuring necessary interventions are implemented.
Confidentiality: The nurse must maintain the client’s confidentiality while adhering to legal obligations that require reporting abuse or neglect.
Respect and Dignity: The nurse should treat the client with respect, dignity, and empathy, providing support and reassurance during this difficult time.
Education and Prevention: The nurse has a responsibility to educate both clients and caregivers about elder abuse, its signs, and how to prevent it.

4. What do you think the patient is experiencing?

Based on the video, it is evident that the patient is experiencing physical pain, emotional distress, neglect, and a loss of autonomy. The abusive behavior of the caregiver has likely caused the patient to feel fear, humiliation, and a sense of helplessness. Additionally, the patient’s unmet needs, such as being left in a soiled diaper, may lead to physical discomfort and potential health complications.

5. Consider the possible outcomes of implementing falls precautions or not. What are the risks and benefits to the patient? To the nurse?

Implementing falls precautions:

Benefits for Patients: By implementing falls precautions, such as ensuring a safe environment and providing assistive devices, the risk of falls and subsequent injuries can be reduced. This promotes physical safety and well-being for the patient.
Benefits for Nurses: Implementing falls precautions helps nurses fulfill their duty of care by reducing the likelihood of falls, injuries, and subsequent legal implications or ethical dilemmas.

Not implementing falls precautions:

Risks for Patients: Without falls precautions, the patient is at a higher risk of falling, which can result in severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or even death. This can significantly impact their quality of life and overall health.
Risks for Nurses: Not implementing falls precautions may lead to feelings of guilt or responsibility if a fall occurs under their care. It can also potentially result in legal consequences or professional disciplinary actions.

In conclusion, implementing falls precautions is essential to ensure patient safety and prevent potential harm. It not only benefits patients by reducing their risk of falls but also protects nurses from legal and ethical dilemmas associated with neglecting this aspect of care.