A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a hearing aid. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when the client reports hearing a whistling sound from the hearing aid?

A. A family member is napping in the client's room.

This situation, while not ideal, doesn't involve harm or potential harm to a client, staff, or visitor. It may be addressed through communication and policy reminders but may not require an incident report.

B. A client refuses to eat at mealtime.

Client refusal to eat, while concerning, is not an unexpected or unusual event. It is a common aspect of care, and incident reports are not typically used for such situations.

C. A client's bed alarm is malfunctioning.

This situation involves a malfunction in equipment designed to ensure client safety. It has the potential to compromise the safety of the client and may require an incident report to document the issue and address it appropriately.

D. An assistive personnel is late for the upcoming shift.

Lateness may be an issue that needs addressing, but it's not typically considered an incident requiring a formal incident report. This situation may be addressed through workplace policies and communication.

Choice A Reason:

To an insurance agency in regard to a life insurance policy . This situation is incorrect. Generally, disclosure of health information to an insurance agency requires the client's written consent.

Choice B Reason:

To a medical interpreter service on behalf of a client. This situation is correct. In healthcare settings, it is generally acceptable to share limited health information with a medical interpreter service to facilitate communication with the client, especially if the client has limited proficiency in the primary language spoken in the healthcare setting. The interpreter is bound by confidentiality rules similar to healthcare providers.

Choice C Reason:

To a family member when the client is not available. This situation is incorrect. Disclosing health information to a family member typically requires the client's consent unless there are specific circumstances, such as emergencies, where the healthcare provider may need to act in the best interest of the client.

Choice D Reason:

To an employer for a pre-employment screening. This situation is incorrect. Disclosing health information to an employer typically requires the client's written consent. Employment-related health information is usually protected by privacy laws.