Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyConfidentiality and Information Security

A practical nurse (PN) is documenting client care on a computer at the nurses' station. Another nurse urgently calls for assistance with a client who has fallen in the hallway. Which of the following is the priority action for the PN to take regarding the computer before responding to the emergency?

  1. Log off or lock the electronic health record session.Answer
  2. B
    Minimize the electronic health record window to the taskbar.
  3. C
    Turn off the computer monitor while remaining logged in.
  4. D
    Ask the unit secretary to watch the computer screen.

Answer

Log off or lock the electronic health record session.
The correct action is to log off or lock the session. Even in an emergency, the nurse is responsible for protecting client confidentiality. Securing the session requires a password to regain access, ensuring that protected health information (PHI) remains safe while the nurse is away from the desk.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the immediate risk to client confidentiality.
An unattended, active electronic health record session is a major security risk.
Leaving an open session violates privacy regulations, as unauthorized individuals could view or alter protected health information.
2
Determine the most secure method to protect the data quickly.
Logging off or locking the computer screen.
This action requires the user to input their secure password to regain access, fully protecting the information while they step away.

Key Concept

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Security and Confidentiality
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Confidentiality and Information Security

More questions from this topic