A nurse is assisting with the admission of an older adult client to an acute care facility. The client states that they are afraid to go to sleep, fearing they will not wake up. Which of the following is a therapeutic response the nurse should make?

The correct answer is choice C: A physical therapist who is involved in the client's care.

Choice A rationale:

Disclosing health information to an insurance agency offering a life insurance policy typically requires the client's written permission due to the sensitive nature of the information being shared, including medical history and conditions.

Choice B rationale:

Revealing a client's diagnosis to a family member without written consent would violate the client's privacy rights. Health information is protected by privacy laws, and disclosure should only occur with the client's explicit permission.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct entity to whom health information can be disclosed without the client's written permission. Health professionals who are actively involved in the client's care, such as a physical therapist, are considered part of the healthcare team and may need access to relevant health information for proper treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Disclosing health information to an employer completing a pre-employment screening generally requires the client's consent, as pre-employment screenings often involve sharing medical information that could impact the employment decision.

The correct answer is choice B: "Please don't tell my doctor, but I am taking my partner's oxycodone."

Choice B rationale:

This statement presents an ethical dilemma as it reveals the client's engagement in potentially harmful and illegal behavior – taking a controlled substance prescribed for someone else. The nurse must balance the duty to respect the client's confidentiality with the responsibility to address potential harm to the client and others involved.

Choice A rationale:

"I might file a lawsuit because of how my surgery went" does not present an ethical dilemma, but rather a legal concern. While the nurse should listen to the client's complaints and provide appropriate support, this statement is more related to the client's dissatisfaction with their medical care.

Choice C rationale:

"Please don't get me out of bed this morning, It hurts too much" reflects a client's pain management request. While pain management is important, this statement doesn't raise an ethical dilemma on its own. It's within the scope of care to address pain and comfort concerns.

Choice D rationale:

"I don't want to take my medicine. It makes me sick to my stomach" highlights a client's concern about medication side effects. While addressing medication concerns is essential, this statement doesn't inherently pose an ethical dilemma.