A nurse is assessing a client following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

Providing a verbal report of the client's condition to the paramedic performing the transfer violates the client's confidentiality. Protected health information should not be disclosed verbally to individuals who do not have a need to know. Confidentiality must be maintained during all stages of care, including transfers.

Choice B rationale:

Faxing the client's name and identifiable information to the rehabilitation facility is not a secure method of transmitting sensitive health information. Faxed documents can be intercepted, compromising the client's confidentiality. Secure electronic methods or encrypted communication should be used for transmitting such information.

Choice C rationale:

Emailing the client's health information to the facility in an unencrypted file is also insecure and violates the client's confidentiality. Unencrypted emails can be intercepted and read by unauthorized individuals. Protected health information should be transmitted using secure, encrypted methods to maintain confidentiality.

Choice D rationale:

Discussing the client's response to the transfer with another staff nurse is inappropriate and breaches confidentiality. Sharing patient information, even within the healthcare team, should only be done on a need-to-know basis and in a secure, private setting.

Choice A rationale:

Identifying possible precipitating factors related to the infections is the first step in addressing the issue of increased catheter infections. Understanding the potential causes, such as poor catheter insertion techniques, inadequate hygiene practices, or contaminated equipment, can help the nurse pinpoint the areas that need improvement. By identifying these factors, the nurse can implement targeted interventions to prevent future infections.

Choice B rationale:

Meeting with providers to discuss measures to decrease infections is a valid step, but it should come after identifying the specific factors contributing to the infections. Without a clear understanding of the root causes, the discussion with providers may lack focus and may not lead to effective solutions.

Choice C rationale:

Revising the current policy for catheter care can be considered after identifying the precipitating factors. Policy revision should be based on evidence-based practices and a thorough understanding of the issues contributing to the infections. Simply revising the policy without addressing the underlying causes may not lead to significant improvements.

Choice D rationale:

Scheduling nursing staff training for infection control procedures is an important step in preventing infections, but it should also follow the identification of specific issues related to the catheter infections. Training programs can be tailored to address the identified problems and provide targeted education to the staff members involved.