Question

Difficulty: MediumConfidentiality and Information Security

A practical nurse (PN) is assigned to the triage area of a busy urgent care clinic. Which of the following actions by the PN demonstrate compliance with client confidentiality and information security standards? Select all that apply.

  1. Turning off the computer monitor when stepping away from the triage desk to assist a client.Answer
  2. B
    Providing diagnostic test results over the telephone to a caller who identifies as the client's spouse without verifying an authorization code.
  3. Disposing of printed daily schedules containing client names in a designated secure shredding bin.Answer
  4. D
    Writing the full names and chief complaints of waiting clients on a whiteboard visible from the public reception area.
  5. Directing a client to a private intake room before asking assessment questions regarding their current symptoms.Answer
  6. F
    Discussing the specifics of a client's unusual injury with a nurse from a different department while riding in the staff elevator.

Answer

The compliant actions are turning off the computer monitor when away, disposing of printed schedules in a secure shredding bin, and moving clients to a private room for clinical assessments.
Protecting client confidentiality requires safeguarding electronic data (turning off monitors), ensuring proper destruction of physical documents (shredding), and maintaining physical privacy during clinical interviews (using private rooms). These actions collectively align with standard information security protocols.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the computer usage scenario.
Securing the screen when unattended is identified as a compliant action.
It prevents unauthorized individuals in the clinic from viewing electronic protected health information (PHI).
2
Analyze the document disposal method.
Using a secure shredding bin for schedules with names is identified as compliant.
Documents containing PHI must be destroyed properly rather than thrown in standard, accessible trash receptacles.
3
Assess the communication and privacy practices.
Taking clients to a private room for assessment is compliant, while discussing cases in elevators or writing names on public whiteboards are breaches.
Verbal and written communication must be protected from incidental disclosure to unauthorized parties, including the general public and uninvolved staff members.

Key Concept

Confidentiality and Information Security
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