A nurse notices that a client's health information is visible on an unattended computer screen at the nurses' station.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Report the incident to the charge nurse.
Log the previous user out of the system.
Complete an incident report.
Offer to conduct a unit in-service on client confidentiality.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is important for managerial awareness but not the immediate priority to secure the client’s health information. Addressing data security should precede reporting to ensure confidentiality is maintained swiftly, minimizing risks of breach or misuse.
Choice B rationale
Logging out the previous user immediately secures the unattended screen and protects client data from unauthorized access. This action directly eliminates the risk of information exposure, aligning with HIPAA regulations to safeguard privacy as the nurse’s first responsibility.
Choice C rationale
Completing an incident report documents the breach for accountability but does not address the immediate issue of exposed client data. While necessary for administrative purposes, it must follow direct actions to secure the health information promptly.
Choice D rationale
Conducting an in-service on confidentiality supports education but fails to resolve the immediate issue. This preventive measure should be considered after mitigating the risk to client data, emphasizing proactive rather than reactive measures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking to speak privately with a client suspected of experiencing partner violence is appropriate. It ensures confidentiality and creates a safe environment for the client to disclose sensitive information, aligning with legal and ethical practices.
Choice B rationale
Sharing information with a client’s partner over the phone requires patient authorization due to confidentiality under HIPAA regulations. While concerning, legal violations occur only if the nurse acts without explicit consent.
Choice C rationale
A dietitian prescribing a kosher meal for a client observing Orthodox Jewish dietary laws respects cultural and religious preferences, supporting patient-centered care without any legal implications.
Choice D rationale
Failure to provide an interpreter for a client who speaks a different language is a potential legal issue. It violates the patient’s right to effective communication under federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Completing an incident report is important for documentation and accountability but does not address the immediate issue of a fainting family member. Ensuring the family member's safety takes precedence in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the nurse manager is necessary for communication, but it is not the first action. Prioritizing assessment ensures any critical issues are promptly addressed to stabilize the family member's condition.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining the family member’s health history could provide context for the fainting episode but delays immediate assessment. Addressing acute concerns like airway, breathing, and circulation is crucial before obtaining history.
Choice D rationale
Checking vital signs is a priority as it provides immediate information about the family member’s condition. Assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation helps identify underlying causes such as hypotension, arrhythmia, or hypoxia for appropriate intervention.
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