Question

A home health aide works in the home of their client Mrs. Thompson, who is terminally ill. One day a neighbor asks the health aide if Mrs. Thompson is very ill. How should the health aide response?

A) "I'm sorry, I cannot discuss Mrs. Thompson"
B) "How do you know Mrs. Thompson is so sick"
C) "Yes, Mrs. Thompson is very ill"
D) "Mrs. Thompson is doing as well as can be expected"

Answer 1

The health aide should choose the response that protects the patient's privacy while fulfilling professional and legal obligations, which is "I'm sorry, I cannot discuss Mrs. Thompson".

Step-by-step explanation:

When a home health aide is asked about the condition of their client by a neighbor, it is critical to maintain the client's privacy and adhere to professional ethical standards. Option A: "I'm sorry, I cannot discuss Mrs. Thompson" is the correct response because it upholds the confidential nature of the caregiver-client relationship. The health aide is required to respect Mrs. Thompson's privacy rights under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibits the disclosure of personal health information without the patient's consent. While being friendly and professional, the health aide must decline to share any information about the client's health status to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and maintain trust.