During a busy morning shift on a pediatric unit, a practical nurse (PN) encounters several situations involving the handling of protected health information (PHI). Which actions by the PN correctly maintain client confidentiality? Select all that apply.
- Verifying the identity and facility-assigned access code of a telephone caller before providing a clinical update about a toddler's surgical outcome.Answer
- BDiscussing a child's suspected abuse case in the breakroom with an off-duty nurse who previously cared for the family.
- Placing the printed daily assignment sheet containing client names and diagnoses in a secure shredding receptacle at the end of the shift.Answer
- DPosting a photo of a handmade 'thank you' card on a personal social media account that includes a client's room number in the background.
- Turning the computer monitor away from the hallway traffic while documenting a client's intake and output.Answer
- FConfirming to a curious visitor in the waiting room that a specific child from their neighborhood is currently admitted to the unit.
Answer
The correct actions include verifying caller identity with a security code, securing printed documents in a shredding receptacle, and angling computer monitors away from public areas.
Maintaining client confidentiality requires proactive measures across all forms of communication. Verifying access codes ensures telephone inquiries are authorized. Shredding handover sheets prevents physical data leaks, and shielding computer monitors prevents incidental visual exposure of electronic health records. All three actions appropriately safeguard protected health information.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Confidentiality and Information Security