A nurse discovers that a coworker accessed a patient's electronic health record without a valid reason related to patient care. According to the HIPAA Enforcement Rule, what is the nurse's best initial action to address this violation?
Report the incident to the facility's privacy officer and cooperate with any subsequent investigation.
Confront the coworker directly and demand they delete the accessed information.
Ignore the incident as it is likely a minor infraction without serious consequences.
Immediately notify the patient affected without reporting to any organizational authority.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Report the incident to the facility's privacy officer and cooperate with any subsequent investigation is correct because HIPAA requires that potential violations of patient privacy be reported through proper organizational channels. The privacy officer or designated compliance officer is responsible for investigating breaches, mitigating harm, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Prompt reporting helps protect patient confidentiality, supports organizational accountability, and fulfills legal obligations under HIPAA.
B. Confront the coworker directly and demand they delete the accessed information is incorrect because direct confrontation does not address the regulatory requirements for documenting and investigating a HIPAA violation. Deleting information without organizational oversight could interfere with an official investigation and violate facility policy.
C. Ignore the incident as it is likely a minor infraction without serious consequences is incorrect because unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI) is a serious violation under HIPAA. Ignoring it could result in disciplinary action, legal penalties, and compromise patient privacy.
D. Immediately notify the patient affected without reporting to any organizational authority is incorrect because while patients may need to be informed in some cases of breaches, the initial and required action is to report the violation to the facility’s privacy officer. Organizational investigation and mitigation must precede direct patient notification according to policy and federal law.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
- Review mandatory nursing skills and competencies: This is relevant for the entire unit to ensure compliance with skill competency requirements and to promote safe client care.
- Review central line infections rates and causes: Unit-wide education is important to prevent infections, reinforce proper central line care, and improve patient outcomes.
- Review the incident of disruptive behavior: Discussing civility, teamwork, and professional communication benefits the whole team and helps prevent future conflicts.
- Meet to talk about mislabeling of laboratory specimen: This is specific to the AP who repeatedly mislabeled specimens. Addressing individually allows focused corrective action and policy review.
- Review near miss fall: This involves a specific incident with an AP; individualized coaching ensures understanding of fall precautions, proper bed/chair use, and safety protocols.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. An adolescent female who is belligerent and has slurred speech is concerning and could indicate intoxication, hypoglycemia, or neurologic issues, but the scenario does not specify acute life-threatening symptoms. While urgent, she may be assessed shortly after more critical patients.
B. A toddler with a laceration on his forehead who is screaming is distressing and requires care, but unless the laceration involves heavy bleeding, neuro deficits, or airway compromise, it is not immediately life-threatening. The nurse can provide comfort and prepare for prompt evaluation.
C. A young adult with a painful sunburn of the face and arms is experiencing discomfort, but sunburn alone is not an emergent condition. Care can be scheduled without immediate risk to life or vital organ function.
D. A middle adult male who is diaphoretic and reports epigastric pain is correct because diaphoresis with epigastric pain can indicate acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or myocardial infarction. This is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate evaluation and intervention. According to triage principles, patients with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular compromise are the highest priority and must be seen first.
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