Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention Flashcards

Which of the following staff behaviors would be classified as 'psychological abuse' of a nursing home resident?

Answer: Repeatedly threatening a resident with punishment if they do not cooperate with personal care

Psychological abuse includes verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, and other conduct that causes mental anguish or emotional distress to a resident.

During a survey, which finding would most strongly indicate the possible presence of physical abuse of a resident?

Answer: Multiple unexplained bruises in various stages of healing located on a resident's body

Multiple unexplained bruises in various stages of healing indicate a pattern of repeated injury without adequate explanation, which is a classic indicator of possible physical abuse.

What is the primary regulatory purpose of conducting background checks on prospective nursing facility employees?

Answer: To identify individuals with a prior history of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults

Background checks are primarily required to screen out individuals with a documented history of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, protecting residents from known risk factors.

A resident tells a surveyor that a nurse aide 'grabbed my arm and twisted it hard' when they refused to take a shower. Which type of regulatory violation does this describe?

Answer: Physical abuse because it involved the use of physical force causing or risking bodily injury

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment, including grabbing and twisting a resident's limb.

Which scenario constitutes 'neglect' rather than 'abuse' under long-term care regulations?

Answer: A resident with a documented skin care protocol develops a deep pressure ulcer because staff consistently failed to follow the protocol

Neglect occurs when staff fail to provide required care — such as not following a skin care protocol — resulting in preventable harm, rather than through a willful harmful act.

Under federal regulations, what must a facility do regarding an employee for whom abuse has been substantiated?

Answer: Prohibit future employment and report to the appropriate nurse aide registry or applicable licensing authority

Facilities must terminate employees with substantiated abuse findings and report them to the State nurse aide registry or licensing authority to prevent employment in other care settings.

A surveyor observes a staff member repeatedly mocking and ridiculing a cognitively impaired resident in front of other residents. This should be documented as:

Answer: Verbal or psychological abuse because it constitutes humiliation and ridicule causing mental anguish

Mocking and ridiculing a resident constitutes verbal or psychological abuse, which includes humiliation, harassment, and conduct that causes mental anguish or emotional distress.