The nurse is eating lunch in the hospital cafeteria, which is crowded with visitors and other staff. A health care provider approaches the nurse and asks, "How is my client Mrs. Jones in Room 312 doing?" Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Question

The nurse is eating lunch in the hospital cafeteria, which is crowded with visitors and other staff.  A health care provider approaches the nurse and asks, "How is my client Mrs. Jones in Room 312 doing?"  Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is ethically and legally obligated to protect clients' privacy and maintain confidentiality of their medical information. If another staff member asks a question about a client's medical information in an open area with visitors, the nurse should first move the conversation to a secure area. Answering the question will promote further conversation, making it likely that the client's privileged health care information will be discussed and overheard by others. The best response is to suggest changing the location of the conversation so that the information can be discussed privately (Option B). (Option A) This response is neither accurate nor helpful because the nurse knows how the client was earlier in the day. It is best to make the conversation private so that the nurse can respond to the question appropriately. (Option C) Although vague, this response in a public area (ie, cafeteria) violates the client's privacy by acknowledging the client's presence in the hospital, where the response may be overheard by others. In addition, it does not provide accurate information. (Option D) It is appropriate to direct questions about the client to the currently assigned nurse; however, this response violates the client's privacy by confirming the client's presence in the hospital. It is best to make the conversation private before sharing any information. Educational objective: The nurse must protect clients' privacy and ensure that their medical information remains confidential. Conversations about the client with other staff, even those regarding the client's presence in the hospital, should occur in a private area.

The Nurse Is Eating Lunch in the Hospital Cafeteria, Which