Abuse Definitions
any treatment, intention or not, that causes harm or injury to a person's body
Physical Abuse
Resident is refusing to take a shower. A staff member steps toward the resident, points a finger at them, and says, "If you don't get in the shower, I'm going to smack you silly"
assault
A CNA is telling staff members and resident that George's sister his POA stole over $100,000 even though there is no evidence this happened and the false state has damaged George's sister's reputation.
defamation
a resident in a nursing home suddenly becomes withdrawn and fearful around a particular staff member. The resident also has unexplained bruise on their arms and avoids talking when that staff member is nearby.
Indication of Abuse
The STNA notices bruise on a resident while giving her a bed bath. She can tell that the large bruise is new, but there are other bruises in different stages of healing. What should she do?
Report to hall nurse, LPN or Charge Nurse
Intentional act or failure to act that causes, or could cause, harm, injury, pain, fear or distress to another person.
abuse
Martha a dependent resident keeps spitting her food out at the dinner table. The STNA gets frustrated takes Martha to the shower room and leaves her there.
Involuntary Seclusion
A nursing facility employee sent an email to other staff members that a coworker stole medication from a resident, even though the accusation is false and there is no evidence. The written false statement harms the coworker's reputation.
libel
Mrs. Johnson is a nursing home resident who needs assistance with bathing, eating, and changing her clothing. A staff member notices that she has been wearing the same soiled clothing for two days, has not been bathed , and has food left untouched because no one has assisted her with meals.
Indicator of Neglect
The STNA is getting vital signs. Paul's blood pressure is 75/35, why should she notify the hall nurse?
The blood pressure is too low
any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual contact or activity
Sexual abuse
Betty tells the dayshift nurse that the new STNA on nightshift pinches her because she wet her pants.
battery
A nursing facility employee tells other coworkers that colleague stole money from a resident, even though the accusation is false. The spoken statement harm the colleague's reputation.
slander
A nursing home resident tells a nurse that a staff member frequently yells at her, threatens to take away privileges, and calls her insulting names when she asks for help.
Indicator of abuse
While getting vital signs the STNA notices that Marian's pulse is 45. Why should she report this to the hall nurse?
Marian is bradycardic, slow heart rate
Intention use of words, actions, or behaviors to cause emotional or mental distress, fear, humiliation or intimiation
psychological abuse
Lucy a paraplegic resident has not been changed all day. She has rang her call light over and over, but no one has come to check on her
Neglect
A nursing assistant takes a resident's $50 from their bedside drawer and uses it to buy personal items without the resident's permission.
Misappropriation
Mr. Davis a nursing home resident who requires assistance with repositioning because he cannot move independently. Staff notice that he has been left in the same position for several hours. He complains of pain, and a reddened area has developed on his lower back. his call light is also repeatedly found out of his reach.
Indicator of Neglect
An STNA has been accused of assault. What should they expect to happen?
They should expect to be suspended until investigation is complete.
unauthorized or improper use of another person's money, financial resources, or assets for someone else's benefit
financial abuse
The STNA tell Steve every day that if he does not eat his children will not come to visit. If that doesn't work, then they tell him they are going to put him in his room and leave him there. The STNA doesn't mean what they are saying, but Steve believes what they are saying is true due to his dementia.
Psychological abuse
A nursing facility employee pressures a vulnerable resident to give them money or buy them expensive gifts by taking advantage of resident's trust.
Exploitation
A non-verbal resident becomes unusually distressed whenever a particular caregiver enters the room. During personal care, the resident pulls away, cries, pushes the caregiver's hands away, and repeatedly attempts to cover their body. A nurse later notices unexplained bruising in the resident's inner thigh area.
Indicator of abuse
True or False. When a resident or employee reports abuse or neglect. The accused is told who has accused them and the employer does not protect them from retalitation.
False