Which term refers to the act of leaving an area of safety without supervision by a resident with impaired decision-making?

• A. Fecal Impaction
• B. Cue
• C. Elopement
• D. Edema

Answer: (C)

Elopement is the act of a resident with impaired decision-making leaving a safe area without supervision. This term captures the safety risk when someone who cannot adequately judge danger wanders away, potentially leading to injury, getting lost, or wandering into unsafe areas. In practice, caregivers respond with wandering precautions, close supervision, door and bed alarms, and prompt reporting and documentation to prevent harm.

Fecal impaction refers to a severe constipation issue where stool is blocked in the colon. Edema is swelling caused by fluid buildup. A cue is a signal or prompt used to indicate something or guide behavior. None of these describe leaving a safe area without supervision.