Question

which of the following situations should alert the medical assistant to possible neglect? the patient has bruises and cuts in various stages of healing. the patient has poor personal hygiene and stained, dirty, or ripped clothing. the patient is talkative and communicates openly. the patient is overweight.

Explanation:

• Bruises/cuts in varying healing stages often indicate repeated, unaddressed harm, not typical accidents.
• Poor hygiene and damaged clothing may signal lack of care/support from caregivers, a sign of neglect.
• Talkative, open communication is a positive, non-neglect sign.
• Overweight alone does not indicate neglect; it can stem from many non-neglect factors.

Answer:

• The patient has bruises and cuts in various stages of healing.
• The patient has poor personal hygiene and stained, dirty, or ripped clothing