A nurse is caring for a client who has a wound infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when obtaining a wound-drainage specimen for culture?

A. This statement is incorrect. While HIPAA allows for certain disclosures to family members, it is important to follow specific guidelines and obtain appropriate consent or authorization from the client when sharing their health information. There are also circumstances where a client may request that information be withheld from certain family members.
B. This statement is correct. HIPAA is a federal law that establishes privacy standards for protected health information.
C. This statement is correct. A client's address is considered personally identifiable information under HIPAA.
D. The statement appears to be cut off. However, it is important to note that HIPAA does indeed establish regulations for protecting individually identifiable health information in various forms, including verbal, electronic, and written.

Rationale A: Assisting a client to ambulate using a gait belt is a task within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. It involves physical support and monitoring, which do not require the advanced training of a registered nurse. This task ensures the client's safety while promoting mobility.

Rationale B: Reviewing a low-sodium diet is not within the scope of practice for assistive personnel as it requires nutritional knowledge and the ability to teach, which are responsibilities of a registered nurse or a dietitian.

Rationale C: Feeding a client who had a stroke 3 months ago can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task does not require the clinical judgment of a nurse and can be performed following a predefined plan of care.

Rationale D: Bathing a client who had an amputation 2 days ago can be delegated to assistive personnel. They are trained to assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, while ensuring the client's safety and comfort.

Rationale E: Explaining oral hygiene to a client receiving chemotherapy involves patient education and understanding of the specific needs related to the client's condition, which are beyond the role of assistive personnel. This task requires the expertise of a nurse or other healthcare professional.