A home health nurse is caring for an elderly man with advanced dementia. The patient has a bruised eye and abdomen, and seems withdrawn. The nurse suspects abuse, but the patient is unable to communicate due to his dementia. What should the nurse do next?

Explanation

•As a mandatory reporter, the nurse must report the alledged elder abuse within 24 hours.

•The patient is unable to report the abuse himself due to his advanced dementia.

•Notifying the family could make the situation worse, because a family member could be the abuser.

•Waiting for proof goes against the nurse's legal obligation.

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