During an elderly checkup, signs of elder abuse are observed. Which physical finding would confirm the nurse's suspicion?

• A. Presence of burns from cigarettes
• B. Presence of bedsores
• C. Presence of unexplained bruises on the wrist
• D. Presence of scabies

Answer: (A)

Deliberate injuries are a strong indicator of elder abuse. Cigarette burns are especially telling because they typically reflect intentional harm and often appear in patterned or uncommon locations that don’t fit accidental injury. Bedsores can arise from neglect or prolonged immobility and don’t by themselves prove abuse. Unexplained bruises can have many causes—falls, anticoagulant meds, medical procedures—so they’re less specific to abuse. Scabies is a medical condition unrelated to mistreatment. So, seeing burns from cigarettes would most strongly confirm the nurse’s suspicion of elder abuse, signaling purposeful harm.