A 9-month-old baby who is developmentally delayed is tested for genetic abnormalities. A representative from the client's medical insurance company calls the nurses' station on the phone and asks for the results of the tests. How can the nurse best respond to this request?
Refuse to give the information over the phone.
Give a noncommittal response that "everything is normal" even though it is untrue.
Give the results as they are reported on the laboratory sheet because the insurance company is paying for the test anyway.
Tell the representative that the test results are not back yet.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Refuse to give the information over the phone:
This option respects the patient's confidentiality and is the best course of action. Sharing sensitive medical information over the phone without proper verification and consent is not appropriate.
B) Give a noncommittal response that "everything is normal" even though it is untrue:
Providing false information compromises the integrity of the healthcare professional and can lead to serious consequences if discovered. It's essential to be honest and accurate when sharing medical information.
C) Give the results as they are reported on the laboratory sheet because the insurance company is paying for the test anyway:
Sharing medical information without proper consent, especially over the phone, is a violation of patient privacy and confidentiality. Insurance payment does not negate the need for patient consent and confidentiality.
D) Tell the representative that the test results are not back yet:
If the results are not yet available, it is appropriate to inform the insurance representative truthfully. However, if the results are available, the nurse should not provide them without proper authorization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Doing something that a reasonable person with the same education or preparation would not do: This describes negligence, not battery. Negligence refers to the failure to act with the same level of care that a reasonable person with similar education and preparation would have taken in the same situation.
A legal wrong committed by one person against the property of another: This describes trespass to property, not battery. Trespass to property involves intentionally interfering with another person's property without permission.
Application of force to the person or another person without lawful justification or permission: Battery is a deliberate physical contact with another person without their consent. It involves the intentional application of force or harmful or offensive contact with another person, regardless of the extent of injury caused.
Maligning the character of an individual: This refers to defamation, not battery. Defamation involves making false statements that harm the reputation of an individual.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Libel: Libel is a form of defamation that occurs in written or printed words, pictures, or any form other than spoken words or gestures. Since the nurse's actions involved spoken words, it doesn't constitute libel.
Fraud: Fraud involves intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, or to deprive someone of a legal right. While the nurse's actions were inappropriate and unprofessional, they don't necessarily involve financial or material deception, which is a characteristic of fraud.
Slander: Slander is a form of defamation that involves making false spoken statements that harm the reputation of another person. In this case, the nurse verbally spread false and damaging information about the client, harming their professional reputation.
Malpractice: Malpractice refers to professional negligence or a professional misconduct that results in harm to a patient. While the nurse's actions were inappropriate, they might not directly fall under the category of malpractice unless the client suffered harm due to the nurse's statements impacting their medical care.
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