Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Confidentiality and HIPAA
NCLEX: A client’s family member asks for laboratory results by phone. What is the nurse’s best action?
Ethics, legal nursing, delegation, prioritization Management of Care
Case Study
A client's family member asks for laboratory results by phone. What is the nurse's best action?
Question
A. Verify authorization to release information per facility policy before sharing results.
B. Provide all results because family members usually have the right to know.
C. Read results to the voicemail of any number the family provides.
D. Refuse to speak with family under all circumstances without written consent.
B. Provide all results because family members usually have the right to know.
C. Read results to the voicemail of any number the family provides.
D. Refuse to speak with family under all circumstances without written consent.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Verify authorization to release information per facility policy before sharing results.
Rationale: HIPAA requires verifying authorized recipients; nurses follow facility policy on consented release of protected health information.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: HIPAA requires verifying authorized recipients; nurses follow facility policy on consented release of protected health information.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.