A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of cancer. Which of the following actions by the nurse maintains the client's confidentiality?

The correct answer is choice A: "I know that I can change my advance directives if I need to in the future."

Choice A rationale:

This statement indicates an understanding of advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to make decisions themselves. It's important for clients to know that they can update or change their advance directives if their wishes or circumstances change over time.

Choice B rationale:

The statement that the health care surrogate will make decisions as soon as the power of attorney is signed is not accurate. Generally, a health care surrogate's authority to make decisions comes into effect when the primary individual is no longer able to make decisions themselves. Signing a power of attorney alone does not grant immediate decision-making power to the surrogate.

Choice C rationale:

The family generally cannot overrule the decisions made by a designated health care surrogate. Once an individual designates a surrogate and provides clear instructions through advance directives, the surrogate's decisions are legally binding and typically override the family's input.

Choice D rationale:

Advance directives are not universally valid across states. Laws and regulations regarding advance directives can vary significantly from state to state. It's important for clients to understand that if they relocate, they may need to update their advance directives to comply with the laws of the new state.

The correct answer is choice **d. Providing client information to another nurse at change of shift**.

Choice A rationale:

Sharing the client's prognosis with a family member without the client's consent violates the client's right to confidentiality. The nurse should only disclose information to family members if the client has provided permission or if it is necessary for the client's care.

Choice B rationale:

Discussing the client's status with a member of the spiritual support team may be appropriate if the client has consented to spiritual support and the nurse limits the discussion to information relevant to the spiritual care. However, disclosing the client's diagnosis or other sensitive information without the client's consent would still be a breach of confidentiality.

Choice C rationale:

Collaborating with a nurse from another unit about the client's care is appropriate if it is necessary for the client's treatment and if the discussion is limited to information relevant to the client's care. The nurse should ensure that the discussion takes place in a private setting and that no unauthorized individuals can overhear the conversation.

Choice D rationale:

Providing client information to another nurse at change of shift is necessary for the continuity of the client's care and is considered an appropriate disclosure within the healthcare team. The nurse should ensure that the discussion takes place in a private setting and that no unauthorized individuals can overhear the conversation.