A nurse is using an electronic health record (EHR) system to document care for a client who has pneumonia.

Which of the following is an advantage of using an EHR system?

A. Log off the system when leaving the workstation.

This is a correct action to ensure confidentiality and security of electronic health records (EHRs).

Logging off prevents unauthorized access to client information by other users who may use the same workstation.It also protects the system from malware or cyberattacks that may compromise the data integrity or availability.

B. Shred any printouts before discarding them.

This is also a correct action to ensure confidentiality and security of EHRs.

Shredding any printouts that contain client information prevents them from being accessed by unauthorized persons who may find them in the trash or recycling bins.It also complies with the legal and ethical obligations to protect the privacy of clients.

C. Use a personal digital assistant (PDA) to access client information.

This is an incorrect action to ensure confidentiality and security of EHRs.

Using a PDA to access client information may expose the data to unauthorized access, loss, theft, or damage.

PDAs are typically not encrypted or password-protected, and may not have adequate security features or software updates to prevent cyberattacks or malware infections.PDAs may also not be compatible with the EHR system or follow the data standards and interoperability requirements.

D. Change the password at regular intervals.

This is another correct action to ensure confidentiality and security of EHRs.

Changing the password at regular intervals reduces the risk of password cracking, guessing, or phishing by unauthorized users or hackers.It also helps to maintain the accountability and authentication of authorized users who access the EHR system.

E. Report any breaches or attempted breaches to the appropriate authority.

This is also a correct action to ensure confidentiality and security of EHRs.

Reporting any breaches or attempted breaches to the appropriate authority helps to identify and mitigate the impact of any data loss, corruption, or disclosure.It also helps to comply with the legal and regulatory obligations to notify the affected clients and stakeholders, and to prevent further breaches or incidents.

Documentation should be done as soon as possible after an event has occurred, because this ensures accuracy, timeliness, and continuity of care.Documentation should include objective data (what the nurse observes or measures), subjective data (what the patient says or feels), and nursing interventions (what the nurse does or plans to do) to provide a clear picture of the patient’s condition and needs.Documentation should use abbreviations, symbols, and acronyms that are approved by the facility, because this promotes consistency, clarity, and compliance with legal and professional standards.

Choice D is wrong because documentation should not include opinions, judgments, or assumptions about the client’s condition, as these are not based on facts or evidence and may be biased or inaccurate.Documentation should be factual, accurate, and objective.

Choice E is wrong because documentation should reflect the nursing process and the standards of care, but this is not a complete statement.Documentation should also reflect the patient’s perspective, preferences, and goals.Documentation should be patient-centered, holistic, and individualized.

Normal ranges for clinical observations vary depending on the patient’s age, health status, and other factors.

However, some general ranges are:.

• Temperature: 36.5°C to 37.5°C.

• Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute.

• Respirations: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

• Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg or lower.

• Oxygen saturation: 95% or higher.

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