Nokea
When a nurse protects the information in a patient's record what ethical responsibility is the nurse fulfilling?
- A. Privacy
- B. Disclosure
- C. Confidentiality
- D. Absolute secrecy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse has an ethical and legal duty to protect information about a patient and preserve confidentiality. Some disclosures are legal and anticipated, and may not be subject to the rules of confidentiality. None of the information in a chart is considered secret.
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How can the medical record be used in litigation?
- A. Public record
- B. Proof of adherence to standards
- C. Evidence of omission of care
- D. Documentation of time lapses
- E. Evidence by only the plaintiff
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: The information when used in court becomes a public record. The information can be used as proof of adherence to standards, omission of care, and documentation of time lapses. Both plaintiff and defendant can use the document.
Which is a nursing care error that violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
- A. Administering a stronger dose of drug than was ordered
- B. Refusing to give a patient's daughter information over the phone
- C. Informing the patient's medical power of attorney of a medication change
- D. Leaving a copy of the patient's history and physical in the photocopier
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Leaving the document in the photocopier could expose it to the public. Inappropriate drug administration is possible malpractice. Sharing information with the power of attorney is legal. Refusing to give a patient's daughter information over the phone is appropriate practice.
When asked to perform a procedure that the nurse has never done before what should the nurse do to legally protect himself or herself?
- A. Go ahead and do it.
- B. Refuse to perform it citing lack of knowledge.
- C. Discuss it with the charge nurse asking for direction.
- D. Ask another nurse who has performed the procedure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse cannot use ignorance as an excuse for nonperformance. The nurse should ask for direction from the charge nurse, explaining she has never performed the procedure independently.
An older adult is admitted to the hospital with numerous bodily bruises and the nurse suspects elder abuse. What is the best nursing action?
- A. Cover the bruises with bandages.
- B. Take photographs of the bruises.
- C. Ask the patient if anyone has hit her.
- D. Report the bruises to the charge nurse.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The law stipulates that the health care professional is required to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. The report should be given to a supervisor or directly to the police, according to agency policy. When acting in good faith to report mandated information (e.g., certain communicable diseases or gunshot wounds), the health care professional is protected from liability.
A nurse working on an acute care medical surgical unit is aware that his or her first duty is to the patient's health safety and well-being. Given this knowledge which of the following is most necessary for the nurse to report?
- A. Unethical behavior of other staff members.
- B. A worker who arrives late
- C. Favoritism shown by nursing administration
- D. Arguments among the staff
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A member of the nursing profession must report behavior that does not meet established standards. Unethical behavior involves failing to perform the duties of a competent caring nurse.