Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Elder abuse is often a result of a stressed caregiver. Which of the following might NOT help the caregiver?

1. Educate the caregiver on the chronic illness of the client

2. Teach caregivers the signs and symptoms of burnout

3. Make the patient aware of the problems he or she is causing the caregiver

4. Prescribe antianxiety agents to treat caregiver stress

The correct answer is: Make the patient aware of the problems he or she is causing the caregiver

The option indicating that making the patient aware of the problems they are causing the caregiver might not help the caregiver is correct because it can place undue stress on the caregiver and foster a sense of blame instead of addressing the underlying issues. This approach could create a tense environment, potentially increasing the caregiver's feelings of frustration and helplessness rather than providing support or solutions. Educating the caregiver about the chronic illness of the client is beneficial as it can help them understand the behaviors and needs of the patient better, reducing frustration. Teaching caregivers the signs and symptoms of burnout empowers them to recognize when they are becoming overwhelmed, allowing for proactive self-care measures. Prescribing antianxiety agents can also be effective for caregivers facing significant stress, as it directly addresses their mental health needs and can reduce anxiety levels, improving their ability to care for their loved ones. Therefore, promoting insight into patient impact in a constructive and compassionate manner is more helpful for caregivers than placing responsibility on the patient for the caregiver's stress.