A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient with questions regarding end-of-life care options.
The nurse provides an informational packet to the patient, and discusses the various care options available.
The nurse is demonstrating which professional value?

Choice A rationale:

In the SBAR method, "S" stands for Situation. This portion of the report includes a brief and concise statement about the patient's current situation or problem. In this case, option A provides a clear and specific statement about the patient's situation, indicating that Mr. Jones is being transferred to another unit from the emergency room. The nurse would identify this statement as the "situation" portion of the SBAR report because it conveys the current status of the patient and the reason for the communication.

Choice B rationale:

Option B discusses the patient's symptoms and condition in detail, focusing on the left knee swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness. While this information is important, it falls under the "Background" section of the SBAR report, not the "Situation" section. The "Situation" section should provide a brief overview of the patient's current status and the reason for the communication, which choice A accurately conveys.

Choice C rationale:

Option C mentions the patient's request for a specific bed location, which is relevant to the patient's preferences but does not constitute the "situation" portion of the SBAR report. This information is more appropriate for the "Recommendation" or "Request" section of the SBAR communication model.

Choice D rationale:

Option D provides information about the patient's history of left knee pain following a motor vehicle accident four days ago. While this information is important for understanding the patient's background, it does not represent the current situation or reason for the communication. Therefore, it does not fit the "situation" portion of the SBAR report.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse verifies the recipient's fax number before faxing private patient information. This action is appropriate and ensures that patient information is sent to the correct recipient, maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy. Verifying recipient information is a standard practice in healthcare settings to prevent data breaches.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse documents the patient assessment using objective data. This action is appropriate and follows evidence-based practice guidelines. Objective data are measurable and observable, providing a clear picture of the patient's condition. Objective documentation enhances communication among healthcare providers and ensures accurate representation of the patient's status.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse posts the obituary of a patient on social media. This action is highly inappropriate and unethical. It breaches patient confidentiality and privacy, violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Sharing patient information, especially sensitive details like an obituary, on social media platforms is a serious violation of privacy and can lead to legal consequences.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse discards copies of patient information into the regular trash bin. This action is inappropriate and violates patient confidentiality. Proper disposal of patient information is crucial to protect patient privacy and comply with regulations. Patient documents should be shredded or disposed of in designated secure bins to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Choice E rationale:

The nurse accesses the nurse's own health record via computer. This action is inappropriate unless there is a legitimate reason related to patient care. Accessing one's own health record without a valid purpose is a breach of patient privacy and can lead to disciplinary actions. Healthcare professionals should only access patient records when necessary for providing care and treatment.