A nurse is preparing to document information about a client's lower legs, which are swollen with 6 mm edema. Which of the following information should the nurse document?

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: Empty the drainage bag when it is three-fourths full.

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning the perineal area at least once a day is important for maintaining hygiene, but it is not the most relevant action in this scenario. The focus here is on managing the urinary catheter and its drainage bag.

Choice B rationale:

Emptying the drainage bag when it is three-fourths full is the correct action. An indwelling urinary catheter requires regular drainage to prevent the risk of infection and blockages. Allowing the bag to become too full could lead to backflow and increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections.

Choice C rationale:

Flushing the catheter with sterile water daily is not typically part of routine catheter care. Catheter flushing might be done for specific medical reasons, but it is not a general guideline for indwelling catheters.

Choice D rationale:

Disconnecting the drainage bag when emptying and measuring urine is incorrect. Maintaining a closed system is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. Disconnecting the bag could increase the risk of infection.