Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyConfidentiality and Information Security

A practical nurse (PN) answers the unit telephone. The caller identifies themselves as the daughter of a client and requests an update on the client's recent laboratory results. The client's medical record indicates that no authorization has been given to share health information with any family members. Which action should the PN take?

  1. Inform the caller that no client information can be disclosed.Answer
  2. B
    Provide the laboratory results if the caller can accurately state the client's date of birth.
  3. C
    Share only the normal laboratory values to help ease the caller's anxiety.
  4. D
    Confirm the client is admitted to the unit but explain that results must come from the provider.

Answer

The practical nurse must inform the caller that no information can be disclosed.
Under standard confidentiality protocols and privacy laws, healthcare workers cannot share protected health information, nor can they confirm a client's presence in a facility, without explicit authorization from the client. Since the chart indicates no authorization has been given, the nurse must respectfully decline to provide any information.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the caller's request and relationship to the client.
The caller claims to be the client's daughter and wants laboratory results.
Determining who is asking for information is the first step in applying confidentiality protocols.
2
Check the client's medical record for a release of information authorization.
The record indicates no authorization has been given to share information with family members.
Healthcare providers must verify consent before disclosing any protected health information (PHI).
3
Determine the appropriate nursing response based on the lack of authorization.
The nurse must refuse to disclose any information, including confirming the client's presence on the unit.
Without explicit consent, sharing any PHI or acknowledging the client's admission violates confidentiality laws.

Key Concept

Confidentiality and Information Security
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Confidentiality and Information Security

More questions from this topic