A nurse receives a phone call from a family member asking for patient information. What should the nurse do?
Ask the family member to provide identification.
Do not provide any information over the phone.
Provide only publicly available information.
Inform the family member that they need to visit in person.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Asking the family member to provide identification does not ensure that the caller is authorized to receive patient information. Even with identification, the nurse cannot verify the caller’s relationship to the patient or their authorization to access confidential information.
Choice B rationale
Not providing any information over the phone is the correct action to protect patient confidentiality. Healthcare providers must ensure that patient information is only shared with authorized individuals, and phone calls do not provide a secure method for verifying the caller’s identity.
Choice C rationale
Providing only publicly available information is not appropriate, as it still involves sharing patient-related details without proper verification. Any disclosure of patient information, even if minimal, must be done with caution and proper authorization.
Choice D rationale
Informing the family member that they need to visit in person is a better approach, but it still does not guarantee that the individual is authorized to receive patient information. The nurse should follow established protocols for verifying authorization before sharing any details.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Confrontation does not encourage interaction and can create a hostile environment. Effective collaboration requires open and respectful communication, not confrontation.
Choice B rationale
Proper training facilitates participation, but it is not the key to effective collaboration. Communication is the most critical factor in ensuring that all team members can work together effectively.
Choice C rationale
Communication is key to effective collaboration. Clear, open, and respectful communication ensures that all team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and the goals of the team. It helps to build trust and fosters a collaborative environment.
Choice D rationale
Coercion is not necessary and is counterproductive to effective collaboration. Collaboration should be based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Report the incident to the organization. According to HIPAA, the first step a healthcare provider should take after an accidental disclosure of patient information is to report the incident to the organization. This allows the organization to assess the breach, determine the extent of the disclosure, and take appropriate actions to mitigate any potential harm.
Choice B rationale
Inform the patient about the breach. While informing the patient is important, it is not the first step. The organization must first assess the breach and determine the appropriate course of action before notifying the patient.
Choice C rationale
Ask the unauthorized personnel to delete the information. This step may be part of the mitigation process, but it is not the first step. The incident must first be reported to the organization for proper assessment and documentation.
Choice D rationale
Ignore the incident unless someone reports it. This response is inappropriate and violates HIPAA regulations. All breaches must be reported and addressed promptly to ensure compliance with HIPAA and protect patient privacy.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.