Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
A nurse receives a telephone call from a client's family member,who asks the nurse for an update on the client's condition. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to maintain the client's confidentiality?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Refer the family member to the client's provider for the update. This action maintains the client's confidentiality by directing the family member to the appropriate healthcare professional who is authorized to disclose the client's medical information. By doing this, the nurse ensures that sensitive information is shared only with those who have the right to access it, protecting the client's privacy rights.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Requesting additional information about the caller's relationship to the client is unnecessary and could potentially compromise confidentiality.
B: Providing a general update over the telephone can breach the client's confidentiality as the information may not be intended for the family member.
D: Encouraging the family member to contact the client directly is inappropriate as it bypasses the healthcare provider's role in managing and sharing the client's medical information.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Requesting additional information about the caller's relationship to the client is unnecessary and could potentially compromise confidentiality.
B: Providing a general update over the telephone can breach the client's confidentiality as the information may not be intended for the family member.
D: Encouraging the family member to contact the client directly is inappropriate as it bypasses the healthcare provider's role in managing and sharing the client's medical information.