Nokea
A nurse working on the psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from the employer of one of the patients on the unit. The employer asks to be sent a copy of Mr. Murray?s latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so Mr. Murray?s medical records in employee health can be kept up to date. Based on the nurse?s knowledge about issues surrounding breach of confidentiality, which response would be the most appropriate?
- A. I?m sorry; we?re not allowed to give out that information about our patient.
- B. I?ll have to get the patient?s signed consent before we can send that information to you.
- C. I am unable to acknowledge whether or not a Mr. Murray is a patient on this unit.
- D. Sure, give me your address, and I will see that the information is sent to you.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under HIPAA, nurses cannot confirm or deny a patient?s presence without consent, as this protects patient privacy. Acknowledging a patient?s presence or sharing records requires written authorization.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which patient would the nurse determine to be the most likely a candidate for involuntary commitment?
- A. The client who refuses to take the prescribed medication
- B. The client who is screaming in the street disturbing neighbors
- C. The client who refuses to participate in the planned therapy
- D. The client with a mental disorder who is homeless
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary commitment is warranted when a patient poses a danger to themselves or others or is gravely disabled due to mental illness. Screaming in the street and disturbing others suggests potential danger or severe impairment.
The nurse is providing care to a male patient who is hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient?s medical record?
- A. Patient states that he had a good night with no complaints.
- B. Complained of being unable to sleep because he heard voices throughout the night.
- C. Had a typical night without incidence of insomnia or nightmares.
- D. Acted crazily throughout the night; kept hearing voices and noises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Documentation should be specific, objective, and reflect patient statements or symptoms, such as reporting inability to sleep due to hearing voices, which is relevant to schizophrenia. Terms like ?crazily? are unprofessional.
A psychiatric-mental health patient has an advance care directive on his medical record. A clinician provides treatment that disregards the patient?s directive. The clinician would be liable for which of the following?
- A. Assault
- B. Battery
- C. Medical battery
- D. False imprisonment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Disregarding an advance care directive and providing unauthorized treatment constitutes medical battery, a specific type of battery involving non-consensual medical intervention.
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about internal rights protection systems. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which of the following as an example?
- A. American Hospital Association
- B. American Public Health Association
- C. State mental health provider
- D. The Joint Commission
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Joint Commission is an example of an internal rights protection system, as it sets standards for patient rights and safety within healthcare facilities, including mental health settings.
A patient receives a court order for commitment. Which of the following best exemplifies the concept of least restrictive environment?
- A. Involuntary commitment to an outpatient community mental health center
- B. Medication administration for sedation so the patient cannot get out of bed
- C. Placing the patient in a locked padded room in response to threats of self-harm
- D. Allowing the patient to make the decision about whether treatment is necessary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The least restrictive environment principle requires that treatment occur in the least confining setting possible, such as outpatient community mental health care, unless more restrictive measures are necessary for safety.