A nurse is preparing a client for a surgical procedure. The client expresses confusion about the risks involved in the surgery. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Rationale:

A. Provide the client an electronic copy of their records upon request is correct because HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) gives patients the right to access and obtain a copy of their protected health information (PHI) in the format they request, including electronic copies if available. Providers may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copying and mailing but cannot deny access without a valid legal reason. This ensures transparency, patient autonomy, and the ability to participate in one’s own healthcare.

B. Only allow the client to view the records in person without providing copies is incorrect because HIPAA explicitly requires that patients be allowed to obtain a copy of their PHI, not just view it onsite. Limiting access to in-person review alone creates an unnecessary barrier and violates the patient’s legal rights. Patients may want or need a copy for personal use, second opinions, or care coordination.

C. Refuse the client's request unless they provide a notarized authorization is incorrect because HIPAA does not require notarization or any overly burdensome authentication for a patient to access their own records. Requiring notarization is an unnecessary obstacle that is inconsistent with HIPAA’s intent to ensure reasonable access to health information.

D. Charge the client an excessive fee to discourage requests is incorrect because HIPAA permits only reasonable, cost-based fees to cover the cost of copying, postage, or labor associated with preparing the records. Inflated fees intended to deter access are noncompliant and violate patient rights. Charging excessive fees undermines patient autonomy and access to their own health information.

Rationale:

A. She founded the first nursing school for African American women is incorrect because Mary Mahoney did not establish a nursing school; her contributions were in clinical practice and professional advocacy, not in founding educational institutions.

B. She became the first African American president of the American Nurses Association is incorrect because Mahoney was not the ANA president. However, she was active in professional organizations and advocated for diversity and equality within nursing.

C. She was the first black woman to serve in the Army Nurse Corps is incorrect because Mahoney’s career was primarily in civilian nursing and advocacy, not military service.

D. She was the first black nurse to graduate from a formal nursing program is correct because Mary Eliza Mahoney, in 1879, became the first African American to complete professional nursing education in the United States. Her graduation marked a significant milestone for racial integration and diversity in nursing, and she later worked to promote opportunities for African American nurses and advocate for equal treatment within the profession.