During assessment, Tim Jones is mentioned to have multiple bruises. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

The most appropriate nursing action in this scenario is to investigate potential abuse because the presence of multiple bruises on a patient can be a significant indicator of trauma that may not be easily explained. Nurses have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients, and unexplained or unusual bruising, especially in certain populations, can raise concerns about abuse or neglect. When such physical signs are noted, it is crucial for healthcare providers to take them seriously and to assess the situation further.

Investigating potential abuse involves conducting a thorough assessment and gathering more information regarding the patient’s home environment, history, and any other signs of possible mistreatment. This action aligns with the nursing duty to protect vulnerable patients and adhere to guidelines that mandate reporting suspected abuse.

Documenting the findings alone does not engage with the potential underlying issue of abuse and may overlook an urgent need for intervention. Assuming the bruises are merely a result of aging ignores that, while bruising can be more common in older adults, multiple and unexplained bruises warrant further scrutiny. Notifying family members might not be appropriate until there is a clear understanding of the situation, as it could potentially put the patient at further risk if abuse is occurring. Thus, the focus should be on investigating