A nurse is preparing a client for a cardiac catheterization. Just before the procedure, the client asks the nurse about the risks of the procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:
Reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has heart disease is incorrect. Dietary teaching typically requires a higher level of assessment and critical thinking, often involving interpretation of lab values, medication interactions, and individualized dietary plans. This task is best suited for a Registered Nurse (RN).
Choice B Reason:
Providing postmortem care for a client who has just died is incorrect. Providing postmortem care involves emotional support, respect for the deceased, and proper handling of the body. This task is within the scope of practice for an RN and may also involve collaboration with other healthcare team members.
Choice C Reason:
Accompanying a client who just had a wound debridement to physical therapy is incorrect. Accompanying a client to physical therapy may involve monitoring the client's condition, providing assistance during the transfer, and communicating with the physical therapist about the client's status. This task typically requires an RN or may be appropriate for an assistive personnel under RN supervision.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining a urine specimen from an older adult client is correct. Obtaining a urine specimen is a task that falls within the scope of practice for an LPN. It involves performing a routine procedure that requires technical skills but does not involve complex assessment or critical thinking beyond following established protocols.

A.This is a clear breach of confidentiality as sharing client information with individuals who are not part of the healthcare team and without the client's consent violates patient privacy.

B.Discussing a client’s condition in a public area where unauthorized individuals (like visitors) can overhear is a breach of confidentiality. Patient information should be discussed in private settings to protect the client's privacy.

C.This action is a good practice to protect patient information and does not breach confidentiality.

D.This is acceptable as long as proper protocols are followed, such as using secure fax lines and confirming that the receiving party is authorized to receive the information. This action does not inherently breach confidentiality.

E.If the nurse is not involved in the care of all those clients and does not have a legitimate reason to access that information, this action can also be considered a breach of confidentiality. Healthcare providers should only access information relevant to their role and responsibilities.