A graduate nurse is reviewing information about the NCLEX exam on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. Which of the following information should the nurse identify about the NCLEX exam?

Choice A: This is the correct answer. An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a client's medical history and other health information that can be accessed by authorized providers and the client. A personal health record (PHR) is a subset of an EHR that allows the client to view and manage their own health information, such as medications, allergies, test results, and appointments. A PHR can enhance the client's satisfaction, engagement, and empowerment in their health care.
Choice B: This is incorrect. Provides providers client information to track for research studies is not a benefit of an electronic health record, but a potential use of it. EHRs can facilitate health research by providing large and diverse data sets that can be analyzed for various purposes, such as clinical trials, epidemiology, and quality improvement. However, this use of EHRs must comply with ethical and legal standards, such as informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality.
Choice C: This is incorrect. Grants significant other access to client information is not a benefit of an electronic health record, but a matter of the client's preference and consent. EHRs must protect the client's privacy and confidentiality rights, and only disclose their information to authorized parties, such as health care providers, insurers, or public health agencies. The client can choose to share their information with their significant other or anyone else, but they must give explicit permission to do so.
Choice D: This is incorrect. Coordinates all healthcare client has received into one platform is not a benefit of an electronic health record, but a goal of it. EHRs aim to improve the coordination and continuity of care by allowing multiple providers to access and update the same information, enabling real-time collaboration, and providing decision support tools. However, this goal is not fully achieved yet, as there are still challenges and barriers to the interoperability and integration of EHRs across different settings and systems.

Choice A reason:A nurse explaining the details or steps of a surgical procedure goes beyond their professional scope. Providing detailed procedural explanations is the role of the surgeon or primary provider, as they possess the medical expertise and legal responsibility to ensure informed consent. When a nurse provides such explanations, it can cause misinformation, legal liability, and confusion for the patient, making this behavior unprofessional.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Witnessing a client consent for a surgical procedure is not unprofessional, but a professional responsibility of a nurse. A nurse should act as a witness to the client's signature on the consent form, and ensure that the consent process was conducted properly, ethically, and legally².
Choice C reason:A nurse confirming client competency to provide consent is also within professional practice. This involves assessing whether the client is alert, oriented, and able to make decisions. Ensuring competency helps protect the client’s rights and supports ethical nursing practice.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Verifying that a client voluntarily gave consent to a surgical procedure is not unprofessional, but a professional obligation of a nurse. A nurse should ensure that the client's consent was given freely, without any coercion, manipulation, or undue influence from others². A nurse should also respect the client's right to withdraw or change their consent at any time².