A nurse's sibling had a diagnostic test at the nurse's facility.
The sibling asks the nurse to look up the result in the computer.
The nurse should identify which of the following as the reason for her decision about her sibling's request?
It is permissible because the sibling has paid for the service.
It is permissible because the client's sibling made the request.
It is not permissible because the provider should disclose laboratory results or findings to a client.
It is not permissible because there is no nurse-client relationship between the sibling and nurse.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While the sibling may have paid for the diagnostic test, this does not grant the nurse the right to access and disclose the results. Patient privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and access to medical records is restricted to those directly involved in the patient's care. Payment for services does not override these privacy regulations.
Choice B rationale
The familial relationship between the nurse and the patient's sibling does not authorize the nurse to access the patient's medical information. Professional boundaries and ethical guidelines prevent healthcare providers from accessing records of family members unless they are directly involved in their care and have a legitimate need-to-know.
Choice C rationale
It is indeed the responsibility of the healthcare provider who ordered the tests or is managing the patient's care to disclose laboratory results and findings directly to the client. This ensures accurate interpretation and appropriate follow-up. Nurses should not bypass this process by independently accessing and sharing results with family members.
Choice D rationale
A nurse-client relationship did not exist between the nurse and the sibling in this scenario. Accessing a patient's medical record requires a legitimate professional need related to the provision of care to that specific patient. Without this established relationship, accessing the sibling's results would be a breach of confidentiality and professional ethics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting after narcotic pain medication, while uncomfortable, are often expected side effects. The nurse should address these symptoms with antiemetics or other comfort measures, but this is generally not the highest priority unless the vomiting is severe or leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B rationale
A constipated patient needing to use the toilet should be assisted promptly for comfort and to prevent further complications. However, this need is generally not life-threatening and can usually be addressed after more urgent issues.
Choice C rationale
A patient waiting for discharge teaching is important, but discharge planning can typically be done once the patient is stable and other immediate needs are addressed. While timely discharge is a goal, it is not the priority when a patient is experiencing acute distress.
Choice D rationale
Chest pain and shortness of breath after nitroglycerin administration are signs of potential serious cardiovascular or respiratory compromise. Nitroglycerin should relieve chest pain; if it persists or worsens with shortness of breath, it could indicate worsening angina, myocardial infarction, or an adverse reaction to the medication. This situation requires immediate assessment and intervention as it poses an immediate threat to the patient's well-being.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Impaired gas exchange directly affects the patient's oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination, which are fundamental physiological needs. Alveolar inflammation and infection in pneumonia disrupt the normal diffusion of gases in the lungs, potentially leading to hypoxemia and hypercapnia, posing an immediate threat to life if not addressed promptly. Normal partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) is 80-100 mmHg, and normal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) is 35-45 mmHg.
Choice B rationale
Pruritus, or itching, while uncomfortable, is a symptom related to medication side effects and does not directly compromise vital physiological functions like gas exchange. Addressing the underlying cause and providing symptomatic relief are important but are a lower priority than ensuring adequate oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Knowledge deficit regarding risk factors for pneumonia is important for long-term health management and prevention of future episodes. However, in the acute phase of pneumonia, the immediate physiological compromise of impaired gas exchange takes precedence over addressing knowledge gaps.
Choice D rationale
Activity intolerance due to fatigue and shortness of breath is a consequence of the physiological changes associated with pneumonia, primarily the impaired gas exchange. While it affects the patient's quality of life, it is a manifestation of the primary problem rather than the most immediate threat to physiological stability.
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