The nurse in a skilled nursing facility observes a colleague leaving printed electronic medical record (EMR) copies of a client unattended on a countertop. Which action should the nurse implement?
Send an email to facility administrators reporting the action.
Warn the colleague that copying health information is unlawful.
Dispose of the copies and continue with client care assignments.
Communicate the colleague’s activities to the unit charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Sending an email to facility administrators reporting the action may not be the most immediate or effective way to address the situation. It could delay the necessary intervention and does not ensure that the issue is resolved promptly.
Choice B rationale
Warning the colleague that copying health information is unlawful is important, but it may not adequately address the potential breach of patient privacy and confidentiality. The colleague may already be aware of the laws but still engage in inappropriate behavior.
Choice C rationale
Disposing of the copies and continuing with client care assignments prevents further unauthorized access to patient information but does not address the issue of the colleague’s inappropriate handling of the records. It is essential to report the incident to the appropriate authority for further investigation and follow-up.
Choice D rationale
Communicating the colleague’s activities to the unit charge nurse is the most appropriate action because it informs the person in charge of the unit about the observed behavior, allowing for immediate intervention and potential corrective action. The unit charge nurse can address the situation promptly and ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using the syringe to remove the specimen from the catheter requires the nurse to wear gloves to maintain sterility and prevent contamination. Gloves protect both the nurse and the patient from potential pathogens present in the urine.
Choice B rationale
Transporting the urine specimen to the laboratory does not require gloves as the specimen is already secured in a biohazard bag, minimizing the risk of contamination.
Choice C rationale
Recording the output on the flowsheet in the client’s room does not involve direct contact with the urine specimen, so gloves are not necessary.
Choice D rationale
Clamping the urinary catheter prior to the collection does not require gloves as it is a preliminary step that does not involve direct contact with the urine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Initiating a fall risk protocol is not necessary when the client demonstrates an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. Fall risk protocols are typically initiated when there are signs of instability or a history of falls.
Choice B rationale
Recording the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely is the appropriate action. This documentation provides a baseline for the client’s functional status and helps in planning further care. It also ensures that the client’s current abilities are noted for future reference.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s activity tolerance is important but not the immediate next step after observing a smooth and steady gait. This assessment can be done later to evaluate the client’s endurance and capacity for physical activities.
Choice D rationale
Teaching the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls is unnecessary when the client’s gait is already smooth and steady. This advice is more relevant for clients who show signs of instability or a tendency to fall.