Question

A student nurse is working in the library on her plan of care for a clinical assignment. The client's name is written at the top of her plan. What ethical responsibility is the student violating?

1) Confidentiality
2) Accountability
3) Trust
4) Informed consent

Answer 1

The student nurse is violating the ethical principle of confidentiality by having the client's name written on a plan of care. This violation can damage trust, have legal consequences, and goes against healthcare regulations that protect patient privacy. option (1)

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical responsibility that the student nurse is violating by having the client's name written at the top of her plan is confidentiality. Confidentiality is a foundational principle in healthcare that maintains the privacy of patient information. The breach of confidentiality can damage trust between patients and healthcare providers and may also have legal consequences. It is essential that healthcare providers and students alike uphold confidentiality to protect patient information from unauthorized access. Informing patients about the usage of their data and gaining their informed consent are also critical elements of ethical practice.

In educational settings, students must be taught to anonymize patient information when discussing cases or developing care plans. This kind of exposure not only disrespects the patient's right to privacy but also can cause personal harm, which is another ethical concern. Effective confidentiality is essential for building trust and ensuring the safety of clients. It is also required by healthcare institutions and adheres to ethical, agency, state, and federal rules and regulations.