In which situation would the nurse be justified in overriding a client's right to confidentiality?

A teenage client asks the nurse not to tell her parents that she is pregnant.

A client does not want her husband to know that she is a client on the unit.

An older adult client discloses to the nurse that her son occasionally hits her.

A client states that he does not want to know the results of his recent diagnostic test.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   While this situation raises ethical considerations, particularly regarding adolescent confidentiality, the nurse is not justified in overriding the client's right to confidentiality solely based on the request. In many jurisdictions, minors may have the right to confidentiality about reproductive health issues, though this can vary.
B.   The nurse is generally required to respect this client's confidentiality. Unless there is a specific safety concern (e.g., domestic violence), the nurse should honor the client's request to keep this information private. Confidentiality should be upheld unless there is a clear and immediate risk of harm.
C.   In this situation, the nurse may be justified in overriding the client’s confidentiality due to the disclosure of potential abuse. Healthcare professionals are often mandated reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, particularly involving vulnerable populations such as older adults. The nurse has a duty to report this situation to ensure the safety of the client.
D.   A client's wish not to know their diagnostic results does not justify overriding their confidentiality. The nurse must respect the client’s autonomy and decision-making regarding their own health information. The nurse should provide support and discuss the implications of this decision but should not disclose the results without the client’s consent.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Collaboration between nurses at different levels is essential for improving client outcomes. By working together, nurses can share their expertise and ensure that clients receive the best possible care.
B. By increasing delegation between nurses at different levels, RNs can focus on high-risk tasks that require their expertise, while LPNs can take on more routine tasks. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce the workload of RNs, leading to better client outcomes.
C. LPNs can safely and effectively perform many low-risk tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and administering medications. Decreasing their workload for these tasks would not necessarily improve client outcomes.
D. RNs should not be overburdened with high-risk tasks. By delegating appropriate tasks to LPNs, RNs can focus on high-risk tasks that require their expertise and ensure that clients receive the best possible care.

A. Have the team member perform only the most necessary tasks B. Take on the responsibility of the tasks C. Assign the work to another team member D. Examine the workload and assist the individual in reprioritizing

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While prioritizing tasks is important, simply instructing the team member to focus on the most necessary tasks does not address the root of the problem. It may not provide the support or resources needed to effectively manage their workload.
B. While this might seem helpful in the short term, it does not empower the team member or address the issue of workload management. Taking on too much responsibility can also lead to burnout for the RN and is not a sustainable solution.
C. This option does not consider the needs of the original team member and may disrupt teamwork or create additional stress for other staff. It’s important to address the workload collaboratively rather than simply redistributing it without context.
D. This is the best initial action. By examining the workload together, the RN can help the team member identify which tasks are most critical and which can be deferred or delegated. This approach fosters collaboration, empowers the team member, and ensures that patient care needs are met efficiently.

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In which situation would the nurse be justified in overriding a client's right to confidentiality?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The busy emergency department at a hospital has experienced a sharp increase in negative outcomes among clients with heart conditions in the past month. Which of the following actions should the nursing staff take to improve client outcomes?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A member of the team has been delegated some tasks and reports, "I've been given too much to do and I'm not going to be able to complete the work on time." What is the RN's best initial action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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