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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suggesting long-term care placement may disregard the client’s autonomy and independence. Postoperative care often emphasizes rehabilitation and support, not institutionalization, unless medically necessary or preferred by the client. Autonomy is vital in discharge planning, aligning with patient-centered care principles.
Choice B rationale
Referral to social services connects the client with resources like home care or rehabilitation. Social workers can assess unmet needs and coordinate assistance, ensuring a safe discharge. Collaboration improves outcomes in individuals lacking support systems.
Choice C rationale
Ethics committees address dilemmas with moral implications, like end-of-life care. Discharge planning typically requires clinical and social assessment rather than moral adjudication. Engaging the ethics committee unnecessarily delays support.
Choice D rationale
Discharge timing is based on clinical readiness and does not hinge solely on the client’s social situation. Suggesting delay may not address unmet needs. Utilizing support resources is more constructive.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Delaying surgery in an emergency violates the standard of care. When life-saving intervention is necessary, implied consent applies to act in the client’s best interests. Delaying for parental consent increases the risk of harm or mortality.
Choice B rationale
A pediatrician cannot grant consent in place of the legal guardians. Implied consent applies specifically to urgent situations where the client cannot consent, and the delay to contact a surrogate is not feasible.
Choice C rationale
A relative other than a parent or legal guardian cannot provide consent unless legally appointed. Emergency situations follow implied consent protocols when legal surrogates are unavailable. Proceeding with life-saving care does not require seeking extended family approval.
Choice D rationale
Implied consent is a legal principle used in emergencies to authorize necessary treatment when a legal guardian or proxy cannot be reached. This ensures timely intervention to prevent harm, especially for minors unable to consent themselves.
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