Abuse & Neglect Recognition Quiz for Nurses

1. Which statement by a caregiver about a dependent adult raises concern for potential abuse or neglect?

"I take them to all medical appointments"

"They're always complaining, so I ignore them"

"I help with their personal hygiene daily"

"I encourage them to maintain friendships"

2. An elderly patient states their grandchild has taken control of their bank account and medication management without consent. This represents which form of abuse?

Physical abuse

Financial exploitation and potential neglect

Emotional abuse only

Sexual abuse

3. When documenting suspected abuse, the nurse should include:

Assumptions about who caused the injury

Direct quotes from the patient and objective observations

Recommendations for legal action

Information obtained from family members only

4. A child presents with circular burns on the buttocks and genitals. What should the nurse recognize?

Accidental contact with hot surface

Pattern consistent with intentional abuse

Diaper rash from poor hygiene

Normal childhood injury

5. Which response pattern is typical for victims of intimate partner violence?

Immediate disclosure to healthcare providers

Minimization, denial, and delayed reporting

Detailed reporting of all incidents

Filing police reports independently

6. A patient with dementia has unexplained weight loss, dehydration, and poor grooming despite having adequate resources. This suggests which type of abuse?

Physical abuse

Financial exploitation

Willful neglect

Emotional abuse

7. In most jurisdictions, which individuals are legally required to report suspected child abuse?

Only physicians and social workers

Only school personnel

Healthcare providers, educators, and designated professionals

Only law enforcement

8. A 4-year-old has anal fissures, fecal incontinence, and fear of using the bathroom. What should be assessed?

Constipation and dietary intake

Possible sexual abuse

Normal toilet training regression

Intestinal parasites

9. Which finding suggests psychological abuse in a domestic relationship?

Partner makes all household decisions

Persistent criticism, threats, and humiliation by partner

Partner works outside the home

Partner manages the family budget

10. A patient presents with unexplained genital trauma and is evasive about its cause. What is the priority nursing action?

Perform a detailed gynecological examination

Maintain a non-judgmental approach and assess safety

Immediately contact law enforcement

Ask the patient to sign a consent form before assessment

11. A 7-year-old presents with multiple bruises in various healing stages and unexplained fractures. Which finding is most concerning for child abuse?

Bruises on shins from normal play activity

Bruises in various healing stages with inconsistent explanation

Single linear bruise on forearm

Bruise on forehead from documented fall

12. An adolescent presents with STIs, frequent urinary tract infections, and vague abdominal pain. What should the nurse assess?

Recent consensual sexual activity

Possible sexual abuse or exploitation

Poor hygiene practices only

Urinary system malformations

13. Which documentation approach is most appropriate when abuse is suspected?

Use patient quotes and objective findings only

Include personal opinions about the abuser

Omit details to protect patient privacy

Delay documentation until investigation concludes

14. A patient discloses intimate partner violence but refuses to leave. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Provide information and resources while respecting autonomy

Insist the patient leave immediately

Inform family members without consent

Discharge the patient for non-compliance

15. Which physical finding pattern is most suggestive of intentional injury in a child?

Bruises on bony prominences from falls

Bruises in the shape of hands, objects, or on ears/genitals

Minor cuts on knees and elbows

Healing abrasions on the chin

16. An infant presents with retinal hemorrhages, subdural hematoma, and no clear trauma history. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Birth trauma

Bleeding disorder

Abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome)

Accidental fall

17. A 65-year-old reports their adult child demands money for bills and threatens to place them in a facility. This is primarily which type of abuse?

Physical abuse

Emotional abuse

Financial exploitation

Sexual abuse

18. Which of the following is a behavioral indicator of abuse in children?

Asking age-appropriate questions about bodies

Sudden change in school performance and withdrawn behavior

Playing with peers and learning new skills

Expressing normal separation anxiety

19. A woman reports her partner controls all finances, isolates her from family, and frequently criticizes her appearance. Which form of abuse is occurring?

Physical abuse only

Emotional and coercive control

Financial abuse only

Neglect

20. An elderly patient with dementia has pressure ulcers, poor hygiene, and malnutrition. What type of abuse or neglect is most likely occurring?

Financial abuse

Emotional abuse

Neglect

Sexual abuse

Abuse Quiz: Can You Spot the Warning Signs?

1. Which statement by a caregiver about a dependent adult raises concern for potential abuse or neglect?

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. An elderly patient states their grandchild has taken control of their bank account and medication management without consent. This represents which form of abuse?

3. When documenting suspected abuse, the nurse should include:

4. A child presents with circular burns on the buttocks and genitals. What should the nurse recognize?

5. Which response pattern is typical for victims of intimate partner violence?

6. A patient with dementia has unexplained weight loss, dehydration, and poor grooming despite having adequate resources. This suggests which type of abuse?

7. In most jurisdictions, which individuals are legally required to report suspected child abuse?

8. A 4-year-old has anal fissures, fecal incontinence, and fear of using the bathroom. What should be assessed?

9. Which finding suggests psychological abuse in a domestic relationship?

10. A patient presents with unexplained genital trauma and is evasive about its cause. What is the priority nursing action?

11. A 7-year-old presents with multiple bruises in various healing stages and unexplained fractures. Which finding is most concerning for child abuse?

12. An adolescent presents with STIs, frequent urinary tract infections, and vague abdominal pain. What should the nurse assess?

13. Which documentation approach is most appropriate when abuse is suspected?

14. A patient discloses intimate partner violence but refuses to leave. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

15. Which physical finding pattern is most suggestive of intentional injury in a child?

16. An infant presents with retinal hemorrhages, subdural hematoma, and no clear trauma history. What is the most likely diagnosis?

17. A 65-year-old reports their adult child demands money for bills and threatens to place them in a facility. This is primarily which type of abuse?

18. Which of the following is a behavioral indicator of abuse in children?

19. A woman reports her partner controls all finances, isolates her from family, and frequently criticizes her appearance. Which form of abuse is occurring?

20. An elderly patient with dementia has pressure ulcers, poor hygiene, and malnutrition. What type of abuse or neglect is most likely occurring?