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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Telling the parents that their child’s medical information is none of their business is not appropriate. It is important to communicate respectfully and explain the legal status of the emancipated minor.
Choice B rationale
Promising to give the results to the parents as soon as they are back from the laboratory is not appropriate. The nurse should respect the legal status of the emancipated minor and their right to privacy.
Choice C rationale
Informing the parents that the nurse can only give medical information to their child because they are legally an adult is the best response. This explains the legal status of the emancipated minor and respects their autonomy.
Choice D rationale
Telling the parents that the healthcare provider will share the information with them is not appropriate. The nurse should respect the legal status of the emancipated minor and their right to privacy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Puts on new gloves when entering a client’s room. This action demonstrates an understanding of standard precautions, which are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. By putting on new gloves when entering a client’s room, the UAP is ensuring that they are not transferring any pathogens from one environment to another, thereby protecting both themselves and the client.
Choice B rationale
Uses sterile gloves when handling body fluids. While it is important to use gloves when handling body fluids, sterile gloves are not necessary unless performing a sterile procedure. Standard gloves are sufficient for most tasks involving body fluids, and the use of sterile gloves in these situations would be an unnecessary use of resources.
Choice C rationale
Keeps a pair of gloves in uniform pocket. This practice is not recommended as it can lead to contamination of the gloves. Gloves should be stored in a clean, dry place and should be taken from the box immediately before use. Keeping gloves in a pocket can expose them to contaminants, which can then be transferred to the client.
Choice D rationale
Dons sterile gloves when caring for clients with HIV. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, and standard gloves are sufficient for routine care of clients with HIV. Sterile gloves are only necessary for sterile procedures, regardless of the client’s HIV status.