A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with end-stage liver cancer. Which response is an indication the client is in the denial phase of the grief process?

 

Choice A Reason:

“Records that the client sees the procedure as necessary” is incorrect. The nurse’s role in signing the consent form is not to document the client’s perception of the necessity of the procedure. This responsibility typically falls to the healthcare provider who explains the procedure and its necessity to the client.

Choice B Reason:

“Determines the client does not have a mental illness” is incorrect. While assessing the client’s mental status is part of the overall care, the nurse’s signature on the consent form does not specifically indicate this. The nurse’s role is to witness the client’s signature and ensure they are giving informed consent.

Choice C Reason:

“Assists that the nurse has explained the risks and benefits of the procedure” is incorrect. It is the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to explain the risks and benefits. The nurse may reinforce this information but does not primarily provide it.

Choice D Reason:

“Confirms the client is competent to provide consent” is correct. The nurse’s signature on the consent form indicates that the nurse has witnessed the client signing the form and has verified that the client is competent to provide informed consent. This includes ensuring the client understands the information provided and is making the decision voluntarily.

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.