A nurse manager is leading a discussion about ethical dilemmas. Which of the following situations should the nurse manager include as an example of an ethical dilemma?

a. Close the documentation program on the computer:

This action is appropriate as it immediately stops unauthorized access to the client's medical information and prevents further viewing of protected health information (PHI).

b. Find out which staff member left the documentation program on the screen:

While it's important to identify any staff member who may have left the documentation program open, addressing this issue should not be the first priority. The immediate concern is stopping the unauthorized access to the client's information and ensuring that the visitor is aware of the confidentiality breach.

c. Tell the charge nurse that the visitor viewed a client’s protected health information:

Notifying the charge nurse about the incident is important, but it should not be the first action taken. The priority is to address the immediate breach of confidentiality and prevent further unauthorized access to the client's information.

d. Inform the visitor that client records are confidential:

This action may be appropriate after addressing the immediate breach of confidentiality. However, it should not be the first action taken as it does not immediately stop the unauthorized access to the client's information.

a. Educate the client about the risks of refusing the procedure:

This option suggests providing information about the potential consequences of not undergoing the gastroscopy. While educating the client about risks is essential, the immediate concern is the client's lack of understanding about the procedure itself.

b. Complete the incident report:

Filling out an incident report is typically reserved for situations where there has been an actual incident, such as a medical error or adverse event. In this case, the client's lack of understanding does not constitute an incident but rather a need for clarification.

c. Inform the provider that the client requires clarification about the procedure:

This is the correct action. It involves escalating the issue to the provider responsible for performing the gastroscopy. The provider can then address the client's concerns, answer questions, and provide additional information to ensure informed consent.

d. Answer the client’s questions concerning the procedure:

While answering the client's questions is important, it's not solely the nurse's responsibility to ensure the client understands the procedure. The provider, who will perform the gastroscopy, should be informed of the client's confusion so they can address it effectively.