A nurse is attending to a patient who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs. The patient’s vital signs at 0800 and 0815 are given.

Heart rate of 110 bpm

Complete the following sentence using the list of options.

The patient exhibits symptoms of ________

Choice A rationale

A patient being in a wheelchair with the wheels locked does not necessarily indicate elder abuse. It could simply mean that the patient has mobility issues and the wheelchair is a means of transportation for them. The wheels being locked could be a safety measure to prevent the wheelchair from moving unexpectedly.

Choice B rationale

The patient reporting receiving a full bath twice each week does not indicate elder abuse. In fact, it shows that the patient’s hygiene needs are being met regularly. Regular bathing is part of good personal hygiene and is important for overall health.

Choice C rationale

The caregiver insisting on staying in the room during the nurse’s assessment could be a potential sign of elder abuse. This could indicate that the caregiver is controlling or overbearing, and may be trying to monitor or control the patient’s interactions with others. It could also suggest that the caregiver is trying to hide something or prevent the patient from speaking freely.

Choice D rationale

The caregiver being the patient’s financial power of attorney does not necessarily indicate elder abuse. A financial power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone the authority to handle financial transactions on behalf of another person. It is often used when a person is unable to manage their own financial affairs due to illness or incapacity.

Choice A rationale

A lesion with uniform pigmentation is not typically a sign of skin malignancy. Most benign moles are uniform in color, including shades of tan, brown, and black.

Choice B rationale

The new appearance of petechiae, or small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin, is not typically associated with skin cancer. Petechiae can be a sign of a number of conditions, including certain infections, low platelet count, or certain medications.

Choice C rationale

A mole with an asymmetrical appearance is a potential indication of skin malignancy. Asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not match the other, is one of the ABCDEs (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape, or color) of melanoma detection.

Choice D rationale

The presence of a papule, a small, raised bump on the skin, is not necessarily indicative of skin cancer. Papules can be a sign of many different skin conditions, including acne, skin infections, or dermatitis.