Question

Which one of the following clients is most likely to be the victim of elder abuse? A. A 78-year-old female with Alzheimer's dementia B. A 70-year-old male with Parkinson's disease C. A 64-year-old female with diabetes mellitus D. A 68-year-old male with cancer of the prostate

Short answer

Answer: A. A 78-year-old female with Alzheimer's dementia.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the conditions of each client

First, let's break down the four clients and their respective conditions to understand their vulnerability to elder abuse. A. A 78-year-old female with Alzheimer's dementia: Alzheimer's dementia is a progressive neurological disease that leads to memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline. This client might struggle with decision-making and self-care, making them dependent on others for assistance. B. A 70-year-old male with Parkinson's disease: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and cognitive abilities. This client may face physical challenges (such as tremors, stiffness, and balance problems) and cognitive decline, making them reliant on others for help. C. A 64-year-old female with diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes glucose. It can be managed through careful monitoring and treatments, but some individuals may face complications that impact their overall health. This client might need assistance with managing their condition, but their cognitive abilities are likely preserved. D. A 68-year-old male with cancer of the prostate: Prostate cancer is a common cancer type affecting older men, and treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease. This client might experience physical challenges related to treatment, but again, their cognitive abilities are likely not majorly impacted.

Identify potential risk factors for elder abuse

To determine which client is most vulnerable to elder abuse, let's consider potential risk factors associated with their conditions. Some factors to consider include physical dependence, cognitive decline, and the need for long-term care assistance. Based on these factors, clients A and B seem more vulnerable due to their cognitive decline and increased physical dependence on others.

Determine the client most likely to be a victim of elder abuse

By considering the above analysis, we can conclude that: A. A 78-year-old female with Alzheimer's dementia is most likely to be the victim of elder abuse since she is older than the other clients, has a progressive neurological disease that notably affects cognitive abilities, and faces difficulties in decision-making and self-care. This makes her highly dependent on others, which can increase vulnerability to abuse. Thus, the answer is A. A 78-year-old female with Alzheimer's dementia.