Ethics & Law · single question

A 30-year-old living in a care facility presents with multiple untreated carious lesions and evidence of neglect. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Report suspected neglect/abuse to the appropriate authorities
  2. Ignore it and treat only the teeth
  3. Discharge the patient
  4. Blame the patient for poor hygiene
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Report suspected neglect/abuse to the appropriate authorities

A dependent adult in a care facility with signs of neglect triggers mandatory reporting to adult protective services or the appropriate authority, in addition to providing needed care.Other options: Ignoring, discharging, or blaming the patient fails the duty to report and protect a vulnerable adult.Key exam takeaway: Suspected neglect of a dependent/vulnerable adult = mandatory report to authorities.

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