A nurse is asked by a family member to disclose a patient's medical information without the patient's consent. What is the nurse's appropriate response to this request?

Seek cultural consultation or guidance from resources within the healthcare facility.

Cultural competence and sensitivity are essential components of ethical nursing care. In this situation, the nurse should seek cultural consultation or guidance from resources within the healthcare facility, such as cultural liaisons, interpreters, or cultural competency training programs. This ensures that the nurse provides care that respects and incorporates the patient's cultural beliefs, practices, and values.

• Option a (ignoring the patient's cultural beliefs) disregards the principle of patient-centered care and may lead to ineffective or inappropriate care.

• Option b (avoiding discussions about cultural beliefs) limits communication and understanding, potentially leading to misunderstandings or compromised care.

• Option d (requesting reassignment based on cultural beliefs) is not the preferred solution, as it does not promote cultural competence or the development of nursing skills in providing care to diverse populations. Seeking cultural consultation and guidance is a more appropriate approach.

Refuse to disclose the information and explain the importance of patient confidentiality.

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a fundamental ethical and legal obligation. In this situation, the nurse should refuse to disclose the information and explain to the family member the importance of patient confidentiality. Patient privacy and autonomy must be protected, and sharing information without consent can violate the patient's rights and confidentiality.

• Option a (sharing the information with the family member) is inappropriate without the patient's consent and violates patient confidentiality.

• Option c (informing the patient and seeking their consent) is a possible course of action, but the nurse's primary responsibility is to protect patient confidentiality.

• Option d (consulting with the healthcare provider) may be necessary in complex situations, but the initial response should be to refuse disclosure and explain the importance of patient confidentiality.