Exam 3 the Elderly

Question 1

Signs and Symptoms

of

ELDER ABUSE

Answer 1

• S/S elderly abuse: signs of abusive grabbing, unexplained injuries
• Physical abuse:
  
  • Bruises, black eyes, bone fractures, injuries in various stages of healing
  • Hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning or force causing injury
• Psychological emotional abuse:
  
  • Emotional upset or agitation, extreme withdrawal
  • Harming self worth or emotional well being, name calling and scaring.
• Sexual abuse:
  
  • Genital bruising, unexplained sexually transmitted disease
  • Engaging in sexual act without consent
• Financial exploitation:
  
  • Unexplained inability to pay bills or purchase necessity items such as food.
  • Illegally misusing an elderly’s money property or assets.
• Caregiver neglect:
  
  • Dehydration, malnutrition, unattended or untreated health problems listlessness, decubitus ulcers, urine burns, hx of being left alone
• Self neglect:
  
  • Malnutrition, fungal skin and nail infections, insect and rodent infestation in the bone.
• Abandonment:
  
  • An older adult left alone inappropriately
• Institutional mistreatment:
  
  • See above problem

Question 2

Responsibility of the nurse

in Illinois if they suspects abuse.

Answer 2

Screen, assess and intervene elderly mistreatment

Professionals and state employees must report, within 24 hours, any suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation to the Department on Aging’s Adult Protective Services Program.

Question 3

Risks of sexual behavior

among elderly persons

Answer 3

Risk of HIV, HCV,HPV, and STI’s is very high in this group as contraception is not an issue post-menopause and many older people don’t use adequate protection. Nursing Role: Patients need to be counseled to use protection if they do not have a consistent partner.