A practical nurse (PN) is providing care for an alert and oriented older adult client in a long-term care facility. The client's adult son approaches the PN in the hallway and requests an update on the client's recent diagnostic test results. The PN notes that the son is not listed as the designated healthcare proxy. Which of the following actions by the PN are appropriate to maintain confidentiality? (Select all that apply.)
- Review the client's medical record to determine if the son is listed on the authorized information release formAnswer
- BProvide a general overview of the diagnostic results without disclosing specific numerical values
- Approach the client privately to ask if they consent to sharing their diagnostic results with their sonAnswer
- DRefer the son to the registered nurse (RN) so the RN can explain the test results to him
- Explain to the son politely that privacy regulations prohibit the sharing of medical information without the client's direct consentAnswer
- FHand a copy of the results to the son because immediate family members have an automatic right to health updates
Answer
The appropriate actions are to review the medical record for an authorized release form, approach the client privately for consent to share the information, and politely explain privacy regulations to the son.
Maintaining client confidentiality requires the nurse to ensure that medical information is only shared with authorized individuals. Since the client is alert and oriented, the nurse must verify authorization in the chart, ask the client directly for consent, or politely inform the son of the privacy laws that prevent unauthorized disclosure.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Confidentiality and Information Security regarding Family Members
Estimated Time:1m 30s