Conclusion
The main focus of care by the NP should be to recognise situations that could become abusive. The NP should be able to plan interventions, support and practical help with the patient, carer and other agencies to protect both the patient and carer from that possibility.
This section is meant only to highlight the issue of abuse. It aims to get NPs to think about the people they care for and the difficulties they face in their day-to-day life, for example, patients whose first language is not English. Consider the strain that dependence on others for the basic things in life can place on individuals and families when involved in care-planning.
When abuse is suspected, it becomes a minefield of ethical and legal dilemmas and no one person can deal with the situation. The safety of the patient involved is the priority, but what do you do when the patient does not want action taken? No one person can have the answers. Discuss in your workplace what you would do if the situation arises.
377 p