A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a patient who requests to review his medical record. How should the nurse respond?
“I’m sorry, but you do not have the right to read your chart.”
“You will have to sign a written request for access to your record.”
“We’ll give you a copy of your records when we are preparing you for discharge.”
“You will have to explain why you want to review your medical record.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Patients have a legal right to access their medical records under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Denying access is a violation of patient rights and could lead to legal consequences.
Undermines patient autonomy and trust. Patients have a right to know what information is in their medical records and to participate in their own healthcare decisions. Denying access can erode trust in the healthcare system.
Potential for errors and misunderstandings. If patients cannot review their records, they may not be able to identify errors or misunderstandings that could impact their care.
Choice B rationale:
Correct. This response upholds patient rights while ensuring that the request for access is documented and handled appropriately.
Protects patient privacy and confidentiality. The written request process helps to ensure that only the patient or their authorized representative has access to the records.
Provides a mechanism for tracking and auditing access requests. This can help to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. Patients have a right to access their records at any time, not just when they are being discharged.
Delays access to information. Patients may need to review their records to make informed decisions about their care, even if they are not being discharged.
Potential for records to be lost or misplaced. There is a risk that records could be lost or misplaced if they are not provided to the patient until discharge.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Patients do not need to provide a reason for wanting to access their medical records.
Intrusive and unnecessary. Patients may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about having to explain their reasons for wanting to access their records.
Potential for discrimination. Patients may be less likely to request access to their records if they feel that they will be judged or questioned about their reasons for doing so.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Encouraging increased fluid intake helps maintain blood volume and reduces viscosity, promoting circulation and lowering the risk of venous stasis and clot formation postoperatively.
Choice B rationale: Keeping the affected knee flexed impairs venous return and increases stasis, elevating the risk of thrombosis. Proper positioning with extension promotes circulation and reduces clot risk.
Choice C rationale: Prolonged bed rest contributes to immobility-induced venous stasis, a major risk factor for DVT. Early ambulation and leg exercises are essential to prevent thromboembolic events.
Choice D rationale: Massaging the calf of a postoperative patient is contraindicated due to the risk of dislodging a thrombus, potentially leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (above 7.45), high bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels, and normal or low PaCO2. The patient's ABGs show a low pH (7.26), low bicarbonate (14 mEq/L), and low PaCO2 (30 mm Hg), which are not consistent with metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (above 7.45), low PaCO2, and normal or slightly elevated bicarbonate levels. The patient's ABGs do show a low PaCO2, but the pH is low (acidic) and the bicarbonate is low, which are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35), high PaCO2, and normal or slightly elevated bicarbonate levels. The patient's ABGs do show a low pH, but the PaCO2 is also low, which is not consistent with respiratory acidosis.
Rationale for the correct answer, B:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35), low bicarbonate levels, and normal or low PaCO2. The patient's ABGs are consistent with metabolic acidosis because they show a low pH (7.26), low bicarbonate (14 mEq/L), and low PaCO2 (30 mm Hg).
Acute kidney injury is a common cause of metabolic acidosis. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating acid-base balance by excreting acids and reabsorbing bicarbonate. When the kidneys are damaged, they are unable to excrete acids effectively, leading to an accumulation of acids in the blood and a decrease in bicarbonate levels.
Additional Information:
It's important to note that the patient's low PaCO2 is likely a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic acidosis. In response to acidosis, the respiratory system tries to increase ventilation to blow off more carbon dioxide, which helps to raise the pH. However, this compensatory mechanism is often not enough to fully correct the acidosis.
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