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Difficulty: MediumConfidentiality and Information Security

A practical nurse is utilizing a mobile computer workstation to document vital signs in a semi-private client room. The client's roommate currently has several family members visiting. Which actions by the nurse appropriately protect the confidentiality of the client's health information in this setting? (Select all that apply.)

  1. Positioning the computer monitor so the screen is angled away from the roommate and the visitorsAnswer
  2. B
    Minimizing the charting application to the taskbar when turning away to assist the client with repositioning
  3. Drawing the privacy curtain between the two beds and speaking in a lowered voice when discussing upcoming treatmentsAnswer
  4. D
    Providing a brief, general update about the client's condition to the visitors who express genuine concern about the client's frequent coughing
  5. Logging out of the electronic health record system completely before stepping out of the room to retrieve fresh linensAnswer

Answer

The correct actions include positioning the screen away from visitors, drawing the privacy curtain while lowering the voice, and fully logging out of the system before leaving the room.
The correct actions represent standard nursing interventions to protect both electronic data (angling screens, logging out) and verbal data (drawing curtains, speaking softly) in a shared clinical environment. These steps successfully mitigate the risk of incidental disclosure to the roommate's visitors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clinical setting and potential confidentiality risks.
The setting is a semi-private room with unauthorized visitors present, creating risks for both visual (screen viewing) and verbal information breaches.
Recognizing environmental risks is the first step in applying appropriate information security measures.
2
Evaluate each proposed action for compliance with electronic and physical security standards.
Angling the screen, logging out completely, and using curtains with lowered voices are compliant. Minimizing a screen or sharing information with concerned but unauthorized visitors are non-compliant.
Practical nurses are required by law (e.g., HIPAA) and facility policy to actively prevent both intentional and incidental disclosures of protected health information.

Key Concept

Information Security in Shared Clinical Spaces
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Confidentiality and Information Security

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