Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

How should a nurse handle a situation involving suspected elder abuse?

1. Ignore it unless confirmed by the patient

2. Confront the suspected abuser directly

3. Report the situation to the appropriate authorities as mandated by Texas law

4. Document the observation for future reference only

The correct answer is: Report the situation to the appropriate authorities as mandated by Texas law

Reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities as mandated by Texas law is the correct course of action for a nurse who suspects elder abuse. In Texas, healthcare professionals are legally required to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly individuals. This mandate is designed to protect vulnerable populations and ensure their safety. Nurses are in a unique position to observe signs of abuse, and it is critical that they take these observations seriously by escalating the issue to the proper authorities, such as adult protective services. Taking this step is also in line with ethical standards of nursing practice, which emphasize advocacy for the well-being of patients. By reporting suspected abuse, nurses contribute to a protective framework that can lead to intervention and support for the victim. Additionally, reporting is often a legal obligation, and failure to do so can result in legal repercussions for the healthcare professional. Other approaches, such as ignoring the situation or confronting the suspected abuser directly, can put the elder at further risk and may inhibit proper investigation. Simply documenting observations for future reference does not trigger intervention and fails to safeguard the individual in need of protection.