Which of the following best describes a scenario that constitutes abuse?

The scenario that best describes abuse is when someone threatens to withhold care unless payment is made. This behavior exploits the vulnerability of patients who rely on healthcare providers for their well-being and assistance. It constitutes abuse as it involves coercion and manipulation, placing financial interests above the patient’s health and safety. In this context, the power imbalance between the caregiver and the patient is evident, leading to emotional distress and potential harm to the patient.

In contrast, the other scenarios may indicate negligence or errors in care but do not necessarily fall under the definition of abuse. Offering a patient the wrong medication, while serious, typically reflects a mistake or oversight rather than intentional harm. Ignoring a patient’s requests for assistance may indicate a lack of attention or care but is not inherently abusive. A wrong diagnosis, although it can lead to inappropriate treatment, usually stems from misjudgment or error rather than malicious intent, thus not meeting the criteria for abuse.