Oversedation is most closely associated with which category of elder mistreatment?

• A. Physical abuse
• B. Neglect
• C. Emotional abuse
• D. Financial exploitation

Answer: (A)

Oversedation is a direct action by a caregiver that harms the elder’s body. Administering medications or sedatives in excess of what is medically appropriate constitutes physical harm, since it physically affects the person’s function and safety (increasing risks like respiratory depression, dizziness, falls, or injury). This fits physical abuse, where the mistreatment involves purposeful or negligent actions that cause bodily harm. Neglect, by contrast, involves failing to provide needed care or monitoring, which is an omission rather than a direct harmful act. Emotional abuse and financial exploitation do not center on causing physical harm through medication, so they aren’t the best fit.