Question

On admission to the psychiatric unit, a client with major depression reports that a family member is physically abusive and requests that the nurse not release any personal information to anyone. When the allegedly abusive family member calls the unit and demands information about the client's treatment, what is the nurse's best response?

1. "To protect clients' confidentiality, I can't give any information, including whether your relative is receiving treatment here."
2. "I can't give you any information. Goodbye."
3. "Your family member isn't accepting telephone calls."
4. "Your family member didn't sign an information release form with your name on it, so I can't give you any information."

Answer 1

In response to a family member demanding information, the best response a nurse can provide is to firmly state they cannot confirm or deny the individual's presence or provide any details, thus protecting the client's confidentiality and adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the allegedly abusive family member calls the unit demanding information about the client's treatment, the nurse's best response would be: "To protect clients' confidentiality, I can't give any information, including whether your relative is receiving treatment here." This statement not only upholds the client's request for privacy but also aligns with professional and legal standards for protecting patient information.

In healthcare, trust between patient and provider is paramount, and respecting a client's request to maintain confidentiality is essential. Establishing trust in the therapeutic relationship encourages honest communication, which can significantly impact successful outcomes.

Furthermore, healthcare providers must adhere to applicable agency, state, and federal confidentiality rules and regulations, which protect the privacy and safety of individuals, particularly those at risk, such as survivors of abuse.