Which nursing assessment is an example of brevity and clarity while meeting legal guidelines?
“Taking fluids poorly, but more than yesterday."
"Apparently comfortable all night. Offers no complaints of pain."
"Patient says she is still slightly nauseated, would like to try some toast and tea."
"4 cm reddened area over sacrum. Skin intact, warm, and dry."
The Correct Answer is D
A. “Taking fluids poorly, but more than yesterday."
This assessment is vague (“taking fluids poorly”), lacks measurable details, and does not meet the clarity standard required in documentation.
B. "Apparently comfortable all night. Offers no complaints of pain."
“Apparently comfortable” is an assumption rather than an observable, objective statement, which could be legally questionable.
C. "Patient says she is still slightly nauseated, would like to try some toast and tea."
While this is clear, “slightly nauseated” could be more specific, and this does not objectively quantify the patient’s condition.
D. "4 cm reddened area over sacrum. Skin intact, warm, and dry."
This statement is concise, uses precise measurements, and includes objective data, meeting legal documentation guidelines.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Actions of the nurse are appropriate since his neighbor is his confidante, and the neighbor has assured him the information provided will not be shared. Confidentiality must be maintained regardless of assurances from others; sharing patient information outside a professional context is a violation of privacy.
B. Nurse has not violated the confidentiality of the patient because the patient is terminal; sharing this information will not harm the patient. Confidentiality must be maintained regardless of the patient's condition. Privacy and confidentiality are ethical requirements for all patients, terminal or otherwise.
C. Nurse is actively promoting nursing as a profession, and it is important to share information that might encourage others to pursue a nursing career. While promoting the profession is valuable, using a patient’s personal information is inappropriate and unprofessional. There are ethical ways to promote nursing without breaching confidentiality.
D. Nurse has violated the confidentiality of the patient by discussing personal information about the patient with his neighbor. Sharing patient information with someone who is not involved in the patient’s care violates HIPAA and confidentiality standards. This action is unprofessional and unethical.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. wrings her hands and paces around the room while denying that she is upset.
This example reflects incongruence. The patient's body language (pacing, wringing hands) suggests anxiety or distress, which does not match her verbal denial of being upset.
B. states she is comfortable while she frowns, and her teeth are clenched.
This example also reflects incongruence. Her facial expression and clenched teeth contradict her statement of comfort, indicating her communication is not aligned.
C. is tearful and slow in speech when talking about her husband's death.
This example reflects congruence. The patient’s verbal expression and nonverbal cues are aligned, indicating that her communication is consistent with her emotions.
D. smiles and laughs while speaking of feeling lonely and depressed.
This example reflects incongruence. Smiling and laughing contradict the verbal expression of loneliness and depression, indicating a mismatch in her communication.