A nurse is delivering a presentation on client confidentiality to a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following actions demonstrates a breach in patient confidentiality?
Discussing a client’s surgical procedure with the case manager.
Reporting laboratory findings to a member of the client’s family.
Identifying the client by name when making a referral for home health services.
Notifying the provider of physical examination findings.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Discussing a client’s surgical procedure with the case manager. This action does not constitute a breach of patient confidentiality as long as the case manager is part of the healthcare team involved in the patient’s care. Sharing relevant information with team members is essential for coordinated and effective patient care.
Choice B Reason:
Reporting laboratory findings to a member of the client’s family. This action is a breach of patient confidentiality unless the patient has given explicit consent for their health information to be shared with that family member. Confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA in the United States, protect patient information and restrict its disclosure without proper authorization. Sharing sensitive health information without consent violates these laws and the patient’s right to privacy.
Choice C Reason:
Identifying the client by name when making a referral for home health services. This action is generally acceptable as long as the referral is made to a healthcare provider or service that will be involved in the patient’s care. Proper identification is necessary to ensure that the patient receives the appropriate services and care.
Choice D Reason:
Notifying the provider of physical examination findings. This action is part of standard medical practice and does not breach patient confidentiality. Communicating examination findings to the provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A verbal warning is typically the first step in addressing an employee with a disciplinary issue. This approach allows the manager to inform the employee about the specific behavior or performance issue and discuss the necessary improvements. It is a less formal method that aims to correct the behavior without escalating the situation. Verbal warnings are often documented to ensure there is a record of the conversation and the expectations set during the meeting.
Choice B Reason:
Suspension with pay is a more severe disciplinary action and is usually not the initial step in addressing an employee issue. This measure is often reserved for more serious infractions or when an investigation is required. It serves as a temporary measure to remove the employee from the workplace while the issue is being resolved. Starting with a suspension can be seen as too harsh and may not provide the employee with an opportunity to correct their behavior before more severe actions are taken.
Choice C Reason:
A reminder of employment standards can be part of the disciplinary process, but it is not typically the initial step. Reminding employees of the standards and expectations is important, but it is usually done in conjunction with other disciplinary actions, such as a verbal or written warning. This reminder helps reinforce the company’s policies and the importance of adhering to them, but it alone may not be sufficient to address the specific issue at hand.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Temporarily setting aside upcoming organizational changes to concentrate exclusively on the unit’s requirements might seem like a good idea to focus on immediate needs. However, this approach can be short-sighted. Organizational changes often impact staffing needs, budget allocations, and overall unit operations. Ignoring these changes can lead to a misalignment between the unit’s budget and the broader organizational goals, potentially causing issues in the long run.
Choice B Reason:
Assessing the unit’s workload and taking into account the services it provides is crucial for developing an effective staffing budget. This approach ensures that the budget reflects the actual needs of the unit, including the number of staff required to deliver quality care and the types of services offered. By understanding the workload, the nurse manager can allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that the unit operates smoothly and meets patient care standards. This method aligns with best practices in budget development for nurse managers, as it provides a clear picture of the unit’s needs and helps in planning for future demands.
Choice C Reason:
Identifying the services offered by competing healthcare organizations in nearby regions can provide valuable insights into market trends and competitive positioning. However, this information is more relevant for strategic planning and marketing rather than for developing a staffing budget. While it’s important to be aware of the competitive landscape, the primary focus of a staffing budget should be on the internal needs and workload of the unit.
Choice D Reason:
Ensuring that work schedules are prepared several months in advance is a good practice for operational efficiency and staff satisfaction. It helps in managing staff availability and reducing last-minute scheduling conflicts. However, this task is more related to day-to-day management and does not directly contribute to the development of a staffing budget. The budget should be based on a thorough assessment of the unit’s workload and service requirements, rather than just on scheduling practices.
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