Which of the following actions is specific to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act?

Choice A rationale
This statement is more about describing the specific situation (the “D” in DESC) rather than expressing the nurse’s concerns (the “E” in DESC). It’s important to note that the DESC tool stands for Describe, Express, State, and Consequences. In this context, the nurse is merely stating what happened, not expressing how it made them feel or the impact it had on them.
Choice B rationale
This statement accurately represents the “E” component of the DESC tool, which stands for "Express your concerns"12. In this scenario, the nurse is expressing their feelings about the physician’s behavior and its impact on them. They’re stating how the physician’s actions made them feel uncomfortable, especially in front of other staff members and the patient. This is a crucial step in the DESC process as it allows the individual to express their feelings and concerns about the situation.
Choice C rationale
This statement is more aligned with the “S” component of the DESC tool, which stands for "State other alternatives"12. Here, the nurse is suggesting a different way for the physician to express their concerns in the future. While this is an important part of the DESC process, it does not represent the “E” component.
Choice D rationale
This statement represents the “C” component of the DESC tool, which stands for "Consequences stated"12. In this context, the nurse is outlining the potential outcomes if they cannot agree on an alternative approach. While this is a crucial step in the DESC process, it does not represent the “E” component.

Choice A rationale
While trust is an important aspect of the patient-family relationship, it’s not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing allowing patient families to visit as often as the patient’s condition will allow. This is more about providing emotional and social support to the patient, rather than building trust.
Choice B rationale
Social support is the primary need being considered in these conversations. Evidence shows that the unrestricted presence and participation of a support person (i.e., family as defined by the patient) can improve the safety of care and enhance patient and family satisfaction. This is especially true in the ICU, where patients are often unable to speak for themselves.
Choice C rationale
While environmental considerations are important in any care setting, they’re not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing the frequency of family visits, which is more about providing social support to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Dependence is not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing the frequency of family visits, which is more about providing social support to the patient.
While patients in the ICU may be dependent on medical staff for their physical needs, the presence of family can provide emotional and social support.