Question

A nurse overhears 2 staff members in the facility elevator discussing a client's care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a) Ignore the conversation as it is private
b) Join the conversation to provide input
c) Report the incident to the unit manager or supervisor
d) Confront the staff members publicly about their discussion

Answer 1

The nurse should immediately report the incident to the unit manager or supervisor, as discussing client care in an elevator is a breach of patient confidentiality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the incident to the unit manager or supervisor. Staff members discussing client care in a public space, such as an elevator, potentially violates patient confidentiality.

Healthcare providers are bound by privacy laws and ethical standards to protect patient information. The setting of the conversation is not secure and could result in an unintended disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Reporting to a supervisor is necessary to address the breach of confidentiality and to remind staff of the appropriate ways to discuss patient care, which is typically within secure, private spaces, ensuring that the conversation cannot be overheard. It's a standard practice in healthcare to treat such incidents seriously, and taking immediate action upholds the integrity of patient care and legal compliance.