A client who has back pain presents to an emergency department and is provided a prescription for oxycodone. A staff nurse tells the charge nurse that they think the client is seeking drugs and is not actually in distress. Which of the following responses should the charge nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Giving change-of-shift report at the client's bedside is not appropriate due to privacy concerns. The client's room is not a private area for discussing their medical information, and other clients or visitors might overhear sensitive details. A more appropriate location, such as a designated nursing station, should be used for shift handoffs.

Choice B rationale:

Providing client information over the phone to callers identifying themselves as family is incorrect. Even if the caller identifies as family, the nurse cannot verify their identity over the phone. Sharing confidential client information without proper verification violates confidentiality policies and can compromise the client's privacy.

Choice C rationale:

Stating that the client cannot see their medical record because it is considered property of the facility is incorrect. Clients have the legal right to access their medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). While the physical record might be owned by the facility, clients have the right to review their medical information.

Choice D rationale:

Access to client information is limited to direct care providers is the correct statement. Confidentiality requirements dictate that only authorized individuals involved in the client's care, treatment, or payment processes have access to their medical information. This helps protect the client's privacy and ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Choice A rationale:

Writing a memorandum emphasizing the importance of attending staff meetings might help remind the staff about the significance of these meetings. However, it does not address the root causes of the poor attendance issue. Exploring the reasons behind the lack of attendance should come before issuing reminders.

Choice B rationale:

Appointing a task force to promote attendance at the meetings is a proactive step. However, it might be premature without understanding the reasons for the poor attendance. The task force's efforts could be more effective if informed by a thorough analysis of the underlying issues.

Choice C rationale:

Exploring the reasons that staff are not attending the meetings is the crucial first step. Understanding the factors contributing to the poor attendance allows the charge nurse to tailor interventions appropriately. Reasons could include scheduling conflicts, lack of engagement, or dissatisfaction with meeting content.

Choice D rationale:

Reducing the number of meetings staff are required to attend might address the attendance issue, but it doesn't address the root causes. It's important to identify the reasons behind poor attendance before making decisions about changing meeting frequency.