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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.
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A nurse is caring for a patient who is hospitalized for a mental disorder. The nurse is legally obligated to breach the patient?s confidentiality if the patient states which of the following?
- A. I think that the federal government is spying on me.
- B. I get really ?turned on? by your appearance.
- C. That doctor I had today really made me angry.
- D. When I get out of here, I?m going to kill my neighbor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nurses are legally obligated to breach confidentiality when there is a credible threat of harm to others, such as a statement of intent to kill someone, under the duty to warn (Tarasoff principle).
After teaching a class of nursing students about the rights of persons receiving mental health services, the instructor determines a need for additional instruction when the students identify which of the following as a right?
- A. Freedom from restraints or seclusion
- B. Access to one?s own mental health records on request
- C. An individualized written treatment plan
- D. Refuse treatment during an emergency situation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients have rights to freedom from unnecessary restraints, access to their mental health records, and an individualized treatment plan, but they cannot refuse treatment in emergencies if they pose a danger to themselves or others.
A patient?s psychiatrist informs her that he thinks she needs to participate in a 3-month outpatient aftercare program after her discharge. Which of the following would protect the patient?s right to request a second opinion before agreeing to this suggestion?
- A. Self-determinism
- B. Least restrictive environment
- C. Confidentiality
- D. Mandates to inform
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Self-determinism refers to a patient?s right to make autonomous decisions about their treatment, including seeking a second opinion before agreeing to a recommended treatment plan.
A patient is going to be discharged this afternoon from the mental health unit. The patient asks the nurse if a copy of his medical record could be sent to the psychologist he will be seeing on an outpatient basis. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Sure, we?ll have that information sent out in today?s mail.
- B. You will need to sign written authorization for us before we can do this.
- C. I think it would just be best if you just told your psychologist everything he needs to know.
- D. How are you feeling about being discharged this afternoon?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA requires written patient authorization to release medical records to another provider, ensuring confidentiality and patient control over their health information.
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is documenting information in a patient?s medical record. Which of the following would be least likely to increase the nurse?s legal liability?
- A. Patient reported that he was feeling better today than yesterday.
- B. Administered haloperidol 10 mg IM stat as ordered for agitation.
- C. Patient was talking with another staff member and started screaming.
- D. Applied restraints to all four patient extremities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Documenting a patient?s subjective report of feeling better is factual and low-risk, whereas administering medication, describing behavior, or applying restraints carries higher legal risk if not properly justified or executed.