A nurse on a medical-surgical unit receives a telephone call from an individual who identifies himself as the client's employer. The employer asks the nurse about the client's condition. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
"I cannot confirm or deny that we have a client by that name."
"I will tell him you called."
"The client's condition is stable right now."
"He is here in the hospital, but I cannot tell you anything else."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
"I cannot confirm or deny that we have a client by that name." is correct. Respecting patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare. Revealing any information about a patient's condition without proper authorization or consent could breach confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. Therefore, providing minimal to no information over the phone to an unidentified caller is the appropriate approach to safeguard the patient's privacy.
Choice B Reason:
"I will tell him you called." Is incorrect. This response implies that the nurse will pass along the information or the fact that the employer called, potentially breaching the patient's confidentiality by confirming the client's presence in the hospital to an unauthorized person.
Choice C Reason:
"The client's condition is stable right now." Is incorrect. Revealing any information about the patient's condition to someone who hasn't been authorized to receive such information can breach patient confidentiality. Even stating that the condition is stable discloses some level of the patient's health status without proper consent.
Choice D Reason:
"He is here in the hospital, but I cannot tell you anything else." Is incorrect. While this response acknowledges the patient's presence in the hospital, it also hints that the nurse has information about the patient. It doesn't adhere to the standard of patient confidentiality, potentially breaching the patient's privacy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Checking the medical record for the client's signature on a previous consent form is incorrect. While a previous consent form might exist in the medical records, for certain procedures or situations, specific, current consent for each instance is often necessary. Verifying a previous consent form may not ensure the client's informed consent for the current procedure.
Choice B Reason:
Having another nurse co-sign the client's consent is incorrect. Co-signing a client's consent by another nurse doesn't substitute for the client's own signature and may not adequately verify the client's informed decision and understanding of the procedure.
Choice C Reason:
Obtaining verbal consent from the client is incorrect. While obtaining verbal consent is important, for invasive procedures like catheter insertion, it's essential to have written, witnessed consent to ensure proper documentation and confirmation that the client is fully informed and agrees to the procedure.
Choice D Reason:
Witnessing the client's signature on a consent form is correct. Express consent for medical procedures typically involves the client signing a consent form after being adequately informed about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. Witnessing the client's signature on a consent form ensures that the client has provided informed consent for the specific procedure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The stoma bleeds lightly when touched is incorrect. Some minor bleeding during the initial postoperative period is expected due to surgical trauma. Light bleeding when touched might not be unusual in the immediate days following colostomy placement.
Choice B Reason:
The stoma appears dark in color is correct. A dark-colored stoma could indicate compromised blood supply or ischemia, which is a concerning finding postoperatively. It's crucial to report this change in color promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice CReason:
The stoma is draining a small amount of liquid stool is incorrect. In the early postoperative period, drainage of liquid stool from the stoma is normal. The digestive system needs time to adapt to the new anatomy created by the colostomy, and initially, the stool consistency might be liquid before it starts to normalize.
Choice DReason:
The stoma protrudes slightly from the abdomen is incorrect. A slightly protruding stoma is a common and expected finding after colostomy surgery. It's often a normal part of the healing process as the stoma settles and adjusts.
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