The nurse is planning a staff developmental conference about confidentiality. Which of the following scenarios should the nurse include as a violation of client confidentiality?
The nurse is planning a staff developmental conference about confidentiality. Which of the following scenarios should the nurse include as a violation of client confidentiality?
A. Informing a visitor of the room number of a client admitted with pneumonia
[29%]
B. Telling a police officer who brought a client into the emergency department (ED) the urine drug screen results
[52%]
C. Notifying the pharmacist that a client is HIV positive and may have a potential drug interaction
[12%]
D. Informing local authorities that a client is suspected of being a victim of domestic violence
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Ethical/Legal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Confidentiality/Information Security
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. The results of a Urine Drug Screen (UDS) are confidential, and that confidentiality should not be pierced because an individual is a police officer. If the police officer requests the results, they should obtain a legal court order and present it to risk management to obtain the necessary records.
Choice A is incorrect. Directory information (if a client is admitted, generalized condition description, and location) is directory information and can be disclosed (please click here for additional information on directory information).
Choice C is incorrect. The nurse notifying the pharmacist and revealing the client's HIV status is okay because the pharmacist verifies and dispenses the client's medications, establishing a professional relationship with this client.
Choice D is incorrect. Most healthcare workers are mandatory reporters and should notify the appropriate authorities of suspected domestic violence.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
HIPAA
15.12 Healthcare Law & Patient Privacy
Additional Info
✓ The nurse is obligated to protect the client's confidentiality
✓ The nurse should vigorously protect sensitive information with the necessary safeguards
✓ Most violations of confidentiality are unintentional, but that does not absolve the nurse of responsibility
✓ Please visit the ANA's stance on privacy and confidentiality
