A nurse aide is accused of using a resident's credit card. This should be reported immediately as what type of abuse?

The situation described involves the unauthorized use of a resident's credit card, which constitutes a direct violation of the resident's financial rights and personal security. Financial exploitation or misappropriation is a form of abuse that specifically relates to taking advantage of a person's financial resources without their consent, which is exactly what has occurred in this scenario.

This type of abuse can not only cause significant financial harm to the resident but also lead to emotional distress and a breach of trust. It's crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize and report such incidents immediately to protect the vulnerable individuals they care for. Prompt reporting helps ensure that appropriate measures can be taken to address the misconduct and prevent further harm.