A home health nurse visits a 78-year-old client who appears withdrawn and anxious. During the visit, the client states, “My daughter handles my money now. She said I don’t need to know where it goes anymore. Last week, she refused to give me my debit card to buy food.”
Which of the following forms of abuse is the nurse most likely observing?
A home health nurse visits a 78-year-old client who appears withdrawn and anxious. During the visit, the client states, “My daughter handles my money now. She said I don’t need to know where it goes anymore. Last week, she refused to give me my debit card to buy food.”
Which of the following forms of abuse is the nurse most likely observing?
A. physical abuse
[1%]
B. emotional abuse
[5%]
C. economic abuse
[85%]
D. neglect
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Abuse/Neglect
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Abuse/Neglect
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. The daughter is exerting financial control by denying the client access to money and personal financial decisions, which is consistent with economic abuse. This creates dependence and strips the client of autonomy, a hallmark of this abuse type.
Choice A is incorrect. There is no indication of physical harm, such as hitting or slapping. The client has not reported or shown signs of bodily injury.
Choice B is incorrect. While the client is anxious, there is no evidence of humiliation, verbal degradation, or intimidation, which would characterize emotional abuse.
Choice D is incorrect. Although the client did not receive money for food, this scenario strongly supports intentional financial control rather than failure to provide basic needs due to oversight or inability, which defines neglect.
Additional Info
✓ Economic abuse (also called financial abuse) is a form of mistreatment in which a person controls or exploits another individual's financial resources in a way that limits their independence, dignity, or ability to meet basic needs.
✓ It is a recognized form of abuse under both elder abuse statutes and intimate partner violence frameworks. It is hazardous because it often leads to dependence and long-term vulnerability.
✓ Some features of economic abuse include:
- Reports of not being allowed to handle their own money.
- Missed medication, meals, or appointments due to lack of funds.
- Sudden changes in banking behavior (e.g., large withdrawals).
- Unexplained loss of property or possessions.
- Anxiety or fear when discussing finances.
- Isolation from financial institutions or advisors.
