Which of the following is a sign of potential abuse that PSWs should recognize?

Recognizing signs of potential abuse is a critical responsibility for Personal Support Workers (PSWs). Physical injuries and unexplained injuries are significant indicators that something may be wrong. Such injuries can include bruises, broken bones, or other marks, especially if they cannot be adequately explained by the client. This can suggest that the individual might be experiencing physical abuse, neglect, or other forms of mistreatment that they may not feel safe to disclose.

When a PSW observes these types of injuries, it is essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that the client feels safe and supported. Documenting these findings and reporting them to the appropriate authorities or supervisors is vital to safeguarding the client's well-being.

On the other hand, clients with high energy levels or excessive social interactions do not typically indicate abuse, as these behaviors can be entirely normal. Likewise, clients who are overly quiet can stem from various reasons, such as personality traits or situational stress but are not definitive signs of abuse on their own. Thus, recognizing physical injuries and unexplained injuries is a fundamental skill for PSWs in identifying potential abuse.