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The patient verbalizes to the nurse about thought to kill his wife". The nurse is in dilemma whether to tell the wife about this Conversation. Given this situation which of the following is the appropriate action of the nurse?

  • A. Alert immediately the proper authorities regarding the threat to safeguard the safety of the wife.
  • B. Tell the wife to be very extra careful as her life is danger.
  • C. Weigh carefully the situation by viewing it as dilemma between disclosing confidential information or warning appropriate authorities.
  • D. Keep the information to herself and be vigilant on action of the patient to protect the wife
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this critical situation, the safety of the wife is of utmost importance. Whenever a healthcare provider becomes aware of a direct threat to someone's safety, especially related to potential harm or violence, it is their ethical and legal responsibility to report this information to the appropriate authorities promptly. In this case, the nurse should alert the proper authorities, such as law enforcement or a mental health crisis team, to ensure that immediate steps are taken to protect the wife from harm. Confidentiality should be breached in situations where there is a clear threat to an individual's safety. Keeping the information confidential in this scenario could result in serious harm or even loss of life. The nurse must act quickly to protect the potential victim.