A nurse on a medical-surgical unit has received a report on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to the RN?

Choice A rationale
Asking the family member to provide identification does not ensure that the caller is authorized to receive patient information. Even with identification, the nurse cannot verify the caller’s relationship to the patient or their authorization to access confidential information.
Choice B rationale
Not providing any information over the phone is the correct action to protect patient confidentiality. Healthcare providers must ensure that patient information is only shared with authorized individuals, and phone calls do not provide a secure method for verifying the caller’s identity.
Choice C rationale
Providing only publicly available information is not appropriate, as it still involves sharing patient-related details without proper verification. Any disclosure of patient information, even if minimal, must be done with caution and proper authorization.
Choice D rationale
Informing the family member that they need to visit in person is a better approach, but it still does not guarantee that the individual is authorized to receive patient information. The nurse should follow established protocols for verifying authorization before sharing any details.

Choice A rationale
The route of administration is important, but it is not the only missing element in this prescription.
Choice B rationale
The frequency of administration is missing, which is crucial for ensuring the medication is given at the correct intervals. Without this information, the prescription is incomplete and can lead to medication errors.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s name is essential, but it is not the only missing element in this prescription.
Choice D rationale
The prescriber’s signature is important for validating the prescription, but the frequency of administration is the critical missing element in this context.