What constitutes physical abuse of a vulnerable adult?

The essence of physical abuse of a vulnerable adult is centered on the direct infliction of harm or injury. Intentionally inflicting physical injury captures the nature of physical abuse, as it involves actions that cause bodily harm to an individual who may be unable to protect themselves due to their vulnerability. This type of abuse represents a clear violation of the victim’s physical safety and well-being, illustrating intentionality and harm.

While the other options may involve forms of neglect or psychological harm, they do not specifically represent actions that constitute physical abuse. Providing insufficient medical care pertains more to negligence rather than direct infliction of physical injury. Ignoring emotional needs can lead to psychological harm, yet it doesn’t involve physical violence or injury. Similarly, overmedicating to alleviate pain may relate to improper medical care and could pose risks, but it is not a direct act of inflicting physical injury in the way that physical abuse is defined.