A nurse in a mandated reporter in matters of abuse and all facilities have a protocol for how suspected abuse should be handled. If a nurse fails to report suspected abuse to the authorities and a death or injury occurs that nurse may lose his/her license on the grounds that they a duty to act and failed to do so. I would of course try to substantiate the patient's claimes. A social worker should be called to talk to both the patient and the care giver. A through physical exam with suspected abuse in mind should be done. Does blood chemistry indicate patient is severly dehydrated. X-rays should be done to look for evidence of new or old fractures, Is there bruising inconsistant with the patient's current condition. If so all injuries need to be documented and photographed lastly does the patient have a history of frequent 911/ER calls and for what. It never hurts to file a suspected abuse report - if an investigation comes back unsubstantiated the social services can still see about getting the caregiver some help and respite for a difficult situation.
Peace and Namaste
Hppygr8ful