A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about the interlocking principles of shared governance. Which of the following principles should the nurse include? (select all that apply)

The correct answer is: c. Less time for direct client care

Choice A: Decreased amount of paperwork

Reason: One of the advantages of electronic charting is that it significantly reduces the amount of paperwork. Traditional paper records require extensive manual documentation, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Electronic systems streamline this process, making it easier to input and retrieve patient information. Therefore, decreased paperwork is a benefit, not a challenge.

Choice B: Increased number of medication errors

Reason: Electronic charting systems are designed to reduce medication errors by providing features such as electronic prescribing, automated alerts for potential drug interactions, and barcode scanning for medication administration. These systems help ensure that the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time, thereby decreasing the likelihood of errors. Hence, increased medication errors are not typically associated with electronic charting.

Choice C: Less time for direct client care

Reason: One of the significant challenges of electronic charting is that it can be time-consuming, requiring nurses to spend a considerable amount of time on documentation. This can reduce the time available for direct patient care. Nurses often report that the demands of electronic documentation can detract from their ability to engage with patients, perform assessments, and provide hands-on care.

Choice D: Provides evidence of care provided

Reason: Providing evidence of care is a benefit of electronic charting, not a challenge. Electronic health records (EHRs) create a detailed and accurate record of the care provided, which can be easily accessed and reviewed. This documentation is crucial for legal, regulatory, and quality improvement purposes. Therefore, this option does not represent a challenge.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse cannot access the records of any client in the healthcare facility, unless they have a legitimate need to do so. Accessing the records of clients who are not under their care is a violation of the client's privacy and confidentiality, and may result in legal or disciplinary actions.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct because a nurse can only access the records of clients they are actively caring for, as part of their professional duty and responsibility. Accessing the records of clients they are caring for is necessary to provide safe and effective care, and to communicate with other members of the healthcare team.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse cannot share information from the client’s medical record with immediate family members, unless the client has given consent, or the disclosure is authorized by law. Sharing information from the client's medical record with family members without the client's permission is a breach of the client's privacy and confidentiality, and may cause harm or distress to the client or the family.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse cannot share information about a client with clients who have a similar diagnosis, unless the client has given consent or the disclosure is authorized by law. Sharing information about a client with other clients without the client's permission is a breach of the client's privacy and confidentiality, and may compromise the client's dignity or safety.