In which situation would the nurse be justified in overriding a client's right to confidentiality?

A. While this situation raises ethical considerations, particularly regarding adolescent confidentiality, the nurse is not justified in overriding the client's right to confidentiality solely based on the request. In many jurisdictions, minors may have the right to confidentiality about reproductive health issues, though this can vary.
B. The nurse is generally required to respect this client's confidentiality. Unless there is a specific safety concern (e.g., domestic violence), the nurse should honor the client's request to keep this information private. Confidentiality should be upheld unless there is a clear and immediate risk of harm.
C. In this situation, the nurse may be justified in overriding the client’s confidentiality due to the disclosure of potential abuse. Healthcare professionals are often mandated reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, particularly involving vulnerable populations such as older adults. The nurse has a duty to report this situation to ensure the safety of the client.
D. A client's wish not to know their diagnostic results does not justify overriding their confidentiality. The nurse must respect the client’s autonomy and decision-making regarding their own health information. The nurse should provide support and discuss the implications of this decision but should not disclose the results without the client’s consent.

A. Libel refers to the written defamation of someone's character, which is not applicable here. The nurse leaving early does not involve any defamatory statements or written content.
B. Battery involves the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without consent. The nurse leaving early does not constitute physical harm or unwanted contact with patients or colleagues.
C. Slander refers to the spoken defamation of someone's character. Similar to libel, this term does not apply to the nurse’s action of leaving early, as it does not involve making false statements about someone.
D. Negligence in nursing refers to a failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent nurse would provide in similar circumstances. By leaving her shift early without notifying the charge nurse, the nurse may be failing to ensure continuity of care for her patients, even if they are stable.