A nurse fails to respond to a resident's call light for hours, resulting in harm. This is an example of which concept?

• A. Neglect
• B. Mistreatment
• C. Elder Abuse
• D. Reporting Abuse

Answer: (A)

Neglect is failing to provide the care or protection a resident needs, and when that failure leads to harm, it’s a serious safety violation. In this scenario, not responding to a resident’s call light for hours means the resident’s safety and basic needs weren’t met. The nurse had a duty to attend promptly to prevent injury or deterioration, and the harm that occurred shows a care omission. Mistreatment or elder abuse would involve active harm or abusive actions, often with intent; this example centers on an omission rather than intentional harm. Reporting abuse is about documenting or notifying authorities about suspected abuse, which isn’t the act described here.