A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic insomnia. Which question would address the highest safety priority for the client?

 

Choice A Reason:

Loperamide should not be used if diarrhea is infectious is correct. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that works by slowing down gut movement. However, if the diarrhea is caused by an infection, such as from spoiled food, it is important to allow the body to expel the infectious agents. Using loperamide in such cases can prolong the infection and potentially worsen the condition.

Choice B Reason:

You can take loperamide until the diarrhea stops is incorrect. While loperamide can be effective for non-infectious diarrhea, it is not recommended for infectious diarrhea. Stopping the diarrhea prematurely can trap the infectious agents in the intestines, leading to more severe symptoms.

Choice C Reason:

Loperamide has no side effects is incorrect. Loperamide can have side effects, including constipation, dizziness, and abdominal pain. It is important to use this medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially in cases of infectious diarrhea.

Choice D Reason:

Loperamide should not stop this type of diarrhea is incorrect. While it is true that loperamide should not be used for infectious diarrhea, the statement is misleading. Loperamide can stop diarrhea, but it is not appropriate for all types of diarrhea, particularly those caused by infections.

Choice A Reason:

The client’s immediate family members may not always have the right to access the client’s protected health information (PHI) unless the client has given explicit consent. Confidentiality laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, are designed to protect the privacy of patients’ health information. These laws generally require that PHI be shared only with individuals who are directly involved in the patient’s care or who have been authorized by the patient. Therefore, while family members may be involved in the patient’s care, they do not automatically have the right to access PHI without the patient’s consent.

Choice B Reason:

The facility’s administrators typically do not need access to a specific client’s PHI unless it is necessary for administrative purposes related to the patient’s care or for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Administrators are generally more involved in the overall management and operation of the healthcare facility rather than in the direct care of individual patients. Sharing PHI with administrators without a valid reason could violate confidentiality laws and the patient’s right to privacy.

Choice C Reason:

Health care team members caring for the client are directly involved in the patient’s care and, therefore, have a legitimate need to access the client’s PHI. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals who are providing treatment, coordinating care, or ensuring the patient’s well-being. Sharing PHI with these individuals is essential for delivering safe and effective care, and it is permitted under confidentiality laws such as HIPAA.

Choice D Reason:

Clergy affiliated with the facility may provide spiritual support to patients, but they do not typically have a legitimate need to access the client’s PHI unless the patient has given explicit consent. While spiritual care is an important aspect of holistic healthcare, it does not require access to detailed medical information. Therefore, sharing PHI with clergy without the patient’s consent would generally be considered a violation of confidentiality laws.