The occupational health nurse in a mobile clinic is formulating an exposure control plan for blood-borne pathogens. Which topics should the nurse incorporate into this plan? Select all that apply.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

A graduate nursing student requesting information, including laboratory findings and chest X- ray results, about all clients with symptoms of H1N1 who have been seen during the last month in a community health clinic is asking for sensitive patient information. This information is protected under privacy laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Therefore, the charge nurse should obtain written authorization from clients to release the information. This ensures that the privacy and confidentiality of the patients are maintained, which is a fundamental principle in healthcare.

Choice B rationale

While it’s important to verify if permission has been obtained from the research committee, it’s not the first step in this process. The primary concern should be the patients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality. Therefore, obtaining written authorization from the clients to release their information should be the first step.

Choice C rationale

Asking the student to sign a standard waiver form is not sufficient to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the patients. The charge nurse should first obtain written authorization from the clients before releasing any information.

Choice D rationale

Providing the information for research purposes only does not absolve the healthcare provider from the responsibility of obtaining written consent from the patients. The patients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality must be respected, and their consent is necessary before any information can be released.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale

While reminding drivers to wear seatbelts is important for overall road safety, it does not directly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school.

Choice B rationale

Advising residents to keep their porch lights on can improve visibility during hours of low light. However, this measure may not significantly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school during daylight hours.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging residents to have their homes inspected for high lead levels is important for overall community health, but it does not directly impact the safety of children walking to and from school.

Choice D rationale

Facilitating a discussion about the advantages of having designated safe houses located throughout the school neighborhood can significantly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school. Safe houses can provide a secure place for children to go if they feel threatened or in danger while walking to or from school.