A nurse is admitting an older adult client who is transferring from another facility. The nurse notes pressure ulcers on the client's coccyx and abrasions around both wrists. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to address suspicions of elder abuse?

Rationale: A. Inform the transferring agency of the client's condition: While notifying the transferring facility may be part of documentation or reporting, it does not directly address suspicions of abuse. The priority is to gather accurate information from the client in a safe and confidential manner before reporting. B. Notify risk management: Risk management may be involved in internal investigation processes, but contacting them is not the first step when abuse is suspected. Immediate priority is assessing the client’s safety and obtaining information about the injuries. C. Privately interview the client about the injuries: Conducting a private, nonjudgmental interview allows the nurse to gather direct information about the cause of the injuries without influence or intimidation from others. This is a critical first step in identifying potential elder abuse, ensuring the client’s safety, and providing evidence for appropriate reporting. D. Contact the family regarding the client's condition: Contacting family members before assessing the client can compromise the investigation, particularly if family members are potential perpetrators. Privacy and safety of the client must be prioritized before involving others.