Resident Abuse
Staff calls a resident “lazybones” and says “diaper” in a mocking tone.
What is verbal abuse?
Call bell is placed out of reach.
What is neglect?
At 2:00 PM, two residents are heard arguing. No injury is noted.
At 4:10 PM, during skin assessment, bruising is discovered on Resident A’s arm.
The nurse determines the injury is likely from the earlier altercation.
What is 6:10 PM?
Report sheet left within resident’s view.
HIPAA Violation, violation of resident rights and privacy
The first thing staff should do before providing care.
What is introduce yourself and explain the care being provided?
Turning on lights and throwing off blankets without greeting the resident.
What is emotional abuse or disrespectful care?
Not providing pain medication before ambulation despite complaints.
What is failure to manage pain / neglect?
A resident with a history of falls is left unattended in the bathroom without grab bars or supervision.
What is failure to ensure adequate supervision and fall prevention
Not greeting resident before beginning care.
failure to provide respect and dignity
Tone, body language, and word choice reflect this professional principle.
What is respect and therapeutic communication?
Being physically rough with a resident during care.
What is physical abuse?
Not providing a wheelchair when a resident states they feel unable to walk.
What is neglect or failure to ensure safety?
At 2:00 PM, Resident A punches Resident B. No injury initially noted.
At 4:05 PM, swelling is observed and the RN determines it meets abuse reporting criteria.
What is 4 PM?
Removing decision-making power from a competent resident.
Failure to allow resident choice and decision-making
Ensuring pain is addressed before ambulation supports this care standard.
Quality of care, pain management
Making comments about a resident’s daughter not visiting because he “can’t care for himself.”
What is psychological/emotional abuse?
A resident who requires assistance with meals is left without set-up, and the tray is removed untouched without follow-up.
What is neglect due to failure to assist with nutrition?
Staff observe a resident attempting to self-transfer unsafely but do not intervene.
Entering a resident’s room without knocking or announcing yourself before providing care.
What is a violation of the resident’s right to privacy?
Keeping report sheets secure protects this federal regulation.
What is HIPAA / confidentiality standards?
Using a resident’s phone for a personal call.
What is exploitation or misuse of resident property?
A resident with a care plan requiring repositioning every two hours is not turned as scheduled, and documentation is incomplete.
What is neglect due to failure to follow the care plan?
During morning care, staff rush the resident, ignore complaints of discomfort, and fail to document the interaction or notify the nurse.
What is the failure to ensure proper documentation and follow-through of resident concerns? Failure to report and escalate the resident concerns
Discussing a resident’s medical condition loudly in the hallway where other residents and visitors can hear.
What is a breach of confidentiality? HIPAA
Ensuring call bells, mobility aids, and safety measures are readily available reflects this core nursing responsibility.
Resident safety