An older client lives alone, has lost weight, and the home is cluttered with spoiled food. The client is alert and oriented. What should the nurse do?

A. Ignore it because the client is competent
B. Force the client into a nursing home
C. Clean the house without asking
D. Assess the client's ability to care for self and refer to adult protective services or social services for possible self-neglect

Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D

Self-neglect is a form of elder mistreatment that can be reported. The nurse assesses safety and connects the client with resources while respecting autonomy.

Source: National Center on Elder Abuse; state adult protective services statutes

Keep practicing Psychosocial Integrity

This question is one of 80 Psychosocial Integrity items in NCLEXSim. On the NCLEX-RN, this category makes up 6–12% of the exam.

Practice more Psychosocial Integrity questions free Create a free account

Study tip

Practice therapeutic communication: pick the response that explores feelings, reflects, or stays with the client; reject 'why' questions, false reassurance, and advice.
Safety first in psych: any hint of suicide gets a direct question about intent and a plan.

Practice the way the NCLEX tests you

1,059 fact-checked questions, a full adaptive exam that stops by the real rules, a proctored test-day mode with an integrity report, 8 NGN case studies, bedside simulations, and ACLS megacodes. Free.

Take the free adaptive exam Rehearse test day

An older client lives alone, has lost weight, and the home is cluttered with spoiled food. The client is alert and oriented. What should the nurse do?

Keep practicing Psychosocial Integrity

More free Psychosocial Integrity questions

Practice the way the NCLEX tests you