Which findings are consistent with elder mistreatment?

• A. Poor hygiene, pressure injury, and malnutrition
• B. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity
• C. Shortness of breath, edema, and coughing
• D. Regular exercise and good appetite

Answer: (A)

Elder mistreatment, especially neglect, shows up as evidence that basic needs aren’t being met. Poor hygiene reflects inadequate grooming and cleanliness care. A pressure injury indicates prolonged immobility or a lack of routine turning and skin care. Malnutrition points to insufficient or poor-quality meals and overall poor nutritional support. These signs together signal neglect rather than an unrelated medical condition. The other options describe common chronic illnesses or indicators of good health, not patterns of mistreatment: the combination of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity are regular health issues; shortness of breath, edema, and coughing suggest cardiopulmonary disease; regular exercise and a good appetite indicate adequate care.