Which term describes a resident with impaired decision-making ability leaving a safe area and supervision?

• A. Exploitation
• B. Elopement
• C. Dementia
• D. Edema

Answer: (B)

Elopement is the term for when a resident who has impaired decision-making leaves a safe area or supervision, creating a risk of harm. It describes an unauthorized exit directly tied to safety and supervision, so staff respond immediately to locate and return the resident and to review safeguards to prevent recurrence. This fits because it captures both the lack of safe decision-making and the act of leaving protected space. Exploitation involves someone taking advantage of a resident for gain, which is a different risk. Edema is swelling, not related to movement or supervision. Dementia is a condition that can contribute to wandering, but it’s not the act of leaving a supervised area.