The nurse is working on an inpatient surgical unit.
Which action by the nurse would be considered inappropriate? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

Placing pillows under the patient's hips and knees before turning is a supportive measure but is not the nursing priority during the logrolling procedure. While it helps maintain proper body alignment, it is not the primary focus of the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

Turning the patient only to the right side and never to the left is incorrect. Patients should be turned gently and carefully to either side, depending on the situation and the patient's condition. Restricting the movement to only one side can cause discomfort and potential injury to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Raising the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees before turning is a good practice to prevent aspiration and facilitate breathing. However, it is not the priority step when logrolling a patient. Proper body alignment and support are essential to prevent injuries during the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Keeping the head, neck, back, hips, and legs in alignment with each other is the nursing priority when logrolling a patient. This technique ensures that the patient's spine is supported and prevents twisting or bending, reducing the risk of injury. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to coordinate the movement carefully to maintain proper alignment throughout the procedure.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse verifies the recipient's fax number before faxing private patient information. This action is appropriate and ensures that patient information is sent to the correct recipient, maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy. Verifying recipient information is a standard practice in healthcare settings to prevent data breaches.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse documents the patient assessment using objective data. This action is appropriate and follows evidence-based practice guidelines. Objective data are measurable and observable, providing a clear picture of the patient's condition. Objective documentation enhances communication among healthcare providers and ensures accurate representation of the patient's status.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse posts the obituary of a patient on social media. This action is highly inappropriate and unethical. It breaches patient confidentiality and privacy, violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Sharing patient information, especially sensitive details like an obituary, on social media platforms is a serious violation of privacy and can lead to legal consequences.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse discards copies of patient information into the regular trash bin. This action is inappropriate and violates patient confidentiality. Proper disposal of patient information is crucial to protect patient privacy and comply with regulations. Patient documents should be shredded or disposed of in designated secure bins to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Choice E rationale:

The nurse accesses the nurse's own health record via computer. This action is inappropriate unless there is a legitimate reason related to patient care. Accessing one's own health record without a valid purpose is a breach of patient privacy and can lead to disciplinary actions. Healthcare professionals should only access patient records when necessary for providing care and treatment.