A nurse working on a psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from a client's employer. The employer asks for a copy of the client's latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so that the client's medical records in employee health can be updated. Based on the nurse's knowledge of breach of confidentiality, which response would be the appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A breach of confidentiality is the release of client information without the client's consent in the absence of legal compulsion or authorization to release information. Acknowledging that this employee is a client on the unit would be such a breach. Even if the nurse explains that he or she cannot give the information without the client's consent, the explanation lets the employer know that the client is receiving care in a psychiatric hospital.

A Nurse Working on a Psychiatric Unit Receives a Telephone