A new nurse at a health care unit notes that a listing of patient names is kept in a closed book behind the front desk of the nursing station so that patients can be located easily.What action is most appropriate for the nurse to take?

A) Move the book to the upper ledge of the nursing station for easier access.
B) Talk with the nurse manager about the listing being a violation of confidentiality.
C) Use the book as needed while keeping it away from individuals not involved in patient care.
D) Ask the nurse manager to move the book to a more secluded area.

Question

Jillian Spagnuola · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Patients are entitled to confidentiality in health care.Nursing standards for what constitutes confidential information are based on professional ethics and the common law.The nurse's judgement must be guided by the ideals of privacy and sensitivity to the needs and rights of patients who may not choose to have nurses intrude on their lives but who depend on nurses for their care.The nurse's fiduciary duty requires that confidential information not be shared with anyone else except on a need-to-know basis.The book is located where only staff would have access.It is not the responsibility of the new nurse to move items used by others on the patient unit.The listing's confidentiality is protected as long as it is used appropriately as needed to provide care.There is no need to move the book to a more secluded area.

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