Which of the following could indicate misappropriation of a resident's property?

The option that indicates misappropriation of a resident's property is the sudden appearance of a staff member's name on a bank signature card. This situation raises a significant red flag because it suggests that the staff member may be attempting to gain unauthorized access to the resident's financial assets. In a caregiving environment, it is crucial to maintain strict boundaries between staff and residents, especially regarding financial matters. The addition of a staff member's name to a bank account or signature card without proper authorization is a direct violation of ethical and legal standards, as it undermines the resident's financial security and can lead to exploitation.

In contrast, increased social visits from family members might simply reflect growing concern or involvement from relatives, which does not inherently suggest any wrongdoing. Regular audits of residents' finances serve as a safeguard to ensure proper management and could actually help prevent misappropriation. Continuous monitoring of staff behavior can help maintain transparency and accountability but does not directly indicate any misappropriation on its own; rather, it is a proactive measure to deter potential issues.