A practical nurse (PN) is working on a busy rehabilitation unit. Which of the following actions by the PN demonstrate appropriate maintenance of client confidentiality and information security? Select all that apply.
- AMinimizing the electronic health record (EHR) screen before walking away from the medication cart.
- Placing printed client assignment sheets into a designated shredding bin at the end of the shift.Answer
- CDiscussing a client's discharge plan with the charge nurse while riding in a public elevator.
- Providing a client's condition update over the telephone to a caller who states the correct privacy passcode.Answer
- Pulling the privacy curtain and speaking in a lowered voice when discussing care with a client in a semi-private room.Answer
- FTexting a picture of a client's pressure injury to the wound care nurse using a personal smartphone.
Answer
The correct actions are placing printed sheets in a shredding bin, providing updates to callers with a privacy passcode, and using lowered voices and privacy curtains in semi-private rooms.
To comply with privacy regulations, nurses must properly dispose of documents containing protected health information in secure shredding bins. Providing information over the telephone is permissible only if the caller can verify authorization, typically through a predetermined privacy passcode. Additionally, when verbalizing health information in areas where it might be overheard, such as semi-private rooms, nurses must take reasonable precautions like pulling curtains and lowering their voices to minimize incidental disclosures.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Maintaining client confidentiality and securing health information across various communication methods (electronic, verbal, and written) is a fundamental nursing responsibility under HIPAA regulations.