What should an NA do if she sees a resident being sexually abused?

What should an NA do if she sees a resident being sexually abused?

• A. Remove the resident from the situation immediately, take to a safe place, and report to the nurse right away.
• B. Inform the family and ignore.
• C. Document and do nothing.
• D. Confront the abuser.

Answer: (A)

Safety of the resident is the priority. If you witness sexual abuse, act to remove the resident from the danger and move them to a safe place. Then report the incident to the nurse in charge right away so the facility can start the proper protection steps, documentation, and any required reporting to authorities per policy and law. This immediate action protects the resident and ensures an official response is initiated without delay. Avoid approaching the abuser directly or letting others know in ways that could escalate risk. Informing family and ignoring the situation, or simply documenting without reporting, leaves the abuse unaddressed and could allow ongoing harm. Confronting the abuser yourself can put you and the resident at further risk and interfere with a formal investigation. Follow the facility’s policies and mandatory reporting requirements to ensure the situation is handled safely and appropriately.

Safety of the resident is the priority. If you witness sexual abuse, act to remove the resident from the danger and move them to a safe place. Then report the incident to the nurse in charge right away so the facility can start the proper protection steps, documentation, and any required reporting to authorities per policy and law. This immediate action protects the resident and ensures an official response is initiated without delay.

Avoid approaching the abuser directly or letting others know in ways that could escalate risk. Informing family and ignoring the situation, or simply documenting without reporting, leaves the abuse unaddressed and could allow ongoing harm. Confronting the abuser yourself can put you and the resident at further risk and interfere with a formal investigation. Follow the facility’s policies and mandatory reporting requirements to ensure the situation is handled safely and appropriately.