Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What type of abuse may involve an adult child victimizing their elderly parent?

1. Financial abuse

2. Neglect

3. Emotional abuse

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

In the context of elder abuse, it is important to consider that an adult child can perpetrate various forms of abuse towards an elderly parent, including financial abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse. Financial abuse occurs when an adult child unlawfully or improperly uses the resources of an elderly parent for their own benefit, often leading to financial exploitation. This can include stealing money, exploiting their parent’s financial accounts, or pressuring the elderly person into changing their will or giving gifts. Neglect refers to the failure to provide necessary care, which could manifest in an adult child neglecting an elderly parent’s basic needs such as hygiene, nutrition, or healthcare. This form of abuse can leave the elderly person vulnerable and in a state of deterioration. Emotional abuse, on the other hand, involves inflicting psychological harm upon the elderly parent. This could include verbal abuse, threats, isolation from social interactions, or other behaviors that can diminish an elder’s sense of self-worth and mental well-being. Given these definitions, it is clear that all of these abusive behaviors can occur in the dynamic between an adult child and their elderly parent, making "all of the above" the most comprehensive answer regarding the types of abuse that may be involved.