When assessing an older patient with multiple bruises, which action should you avoid?

Accusing a caregiver of physical abuse should be avoided because it can lead to unnecessary distress for the patient and caregiver, especially in a sensitive situation where the full context of the injuries is not yet understood. Such accusations could jeopardize the relationship between the patient and their caregiver, create a hostile environment, and potentially deter the patient from providing truthful and open information about their situation.

In cases of older patients with multiple bruises, it is essential to approach the situation with care, allowing the patient to feel safe and comfortable discussing their injuries. This underscores the importance of employing open-ended questions to encourage dialogue, documenting all findings accurately for future reference, and ensuring the patient's privacy during the assessment to promote trust and openness. These practices create a non-threatening atmosphere conducive to accurate assessment and care.