A nurse is working in an agency that uses EHR for documentation.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure confidentiality and security of the client’s information?

(Select all that apply.).

“I should document any incident that occurs during my shift and notify the provider.” This statement indicates an understanding of the legal aspects of documentation, which include:.

• Documenting accurately, objectively, and completely to provide evidence of care delivery and support the nurse’s moral and legal responsibilities.

• Documenting any change in the patient’s condition, treatments, medications, interventions, client responses, and complaints.

• Documenting any incident that occurs during the shift and notifying the provider to ensure appropriate follow-up and prevent further harm.

• Documenting in a timely manner to minimize errors and omissions.

The other choices are wrong because:.

• Choice A is wrong because documenting only normal findings can mislead the client and other health professionals about the actual status of the client.It can also impede patient care and hinder the nurse’s legal defense in the event of a malpractice lawsuit.

• Choice C is wrong because documenting in advance can compromise the accuracy and integrity of the documentation.It can also lead to legal action if the documented events do not match the actual events.

• Choice D is wrong because documenting personal opinions about the client’s condition and care can be considered unprofessional, biased, and disrespectful.It can also damage the nurse-client relationship and expose the nurse to legal liability.

Normal ranges for documentation depend on the type of information being documented, such as vital signs, laboratory values, assessment findings, etc.

They may vary according to different sources and standards.

Nurses should follow the policies and procedures of their institution and use their clinical judgment when documenting abnormal findings.

Medication administration record.

A medication administration record (MAR) is a document that records the medications that have been given to a patient, including the dose, route, time, and nurse’s initials.

A MAR is an essential part of nursing documentation and ensures safe and accurate medication administration.

Choice A is wrong because a graphic record is a document that shows the trends of vital signs, intake and output, weight, and other measurements over time.

A graphic record does not include information about medications.

Choice B is wrong because a daily care record is a document that records the routine care activities that have been performed for a patient, such as hygiene, nutrition, elimination, mobility, and comfort measures.

A daily care record does not include information about medications.

Choice D is wrong because a client teaching record is a document that records the education that has been provided to a patient or family, such as disease process, medications, diet, exercise, self-care, and discharge planning.

A client teaching record does not include information about medication administration.

CBE documentation is a method of charting by exception that allows the nurse to document only those findings that fall outside the standard of care or norms defined by a specific institution.

CBE documentation reduces the amount of time required to document care and eliminates unnecessary or redundant information.

However, CBE documentation does not apply to medication administration, which must be documented accurately and completely for every patient.