You, as a nurse, suspect that your next door neighbor, an older woman, is a victim of elder abuse by her daughter. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to do in this situation?

A. Complete a confidential report with the adult protective services in your area: Nurses are mandated reporters and have a legal and ethical responsibility to report any suspected elder abuse, even if the individual is not their patient. B. Ask the neighbor herself if she is being abused: Directly questioning the neighbor may place her at further risk if the abuser becomes aware of the conversation. Additionally, victims of abuse often fear retaliation or feel ashamed, making disclosure unlikely. C. Visit the neighbor frequently to confirm the suspicions: Attempting to gather personal evidence could compromise safety and is not the nurse’s role. The responsibility lies in reporting the suspicion to the appropriate authorities, who are trained to assess and intervene. D. Because the neighbor is not a patient, you should not get involved: Nurses have a broader duty to protect vulnerable populations, not limited to their patients. Failing to report suspected abuse neglects this ethical obligation and may allow harm to continue unchecked.