Question

A student with a health impairment is receiving therapy from a psychologist at a local medical center. The school nurse would like to consult with the psychologist. Which of the following steps should the nurse take to facilitate consultation?

A. inviting the psychologist to a meeting with the student's parent at the school to compare information about the student

B. requesting that the student's parent set up a meeting between the nurse, the psychologist, and the parent

C. telling the student's parent that psychologist reports would be beneficial and asking the parent to pass updates along

D. asking the student's parent for written permission to exchange information with the psychologist

Answer 1

The school nurse should obtain written permission from the parent to exchange information with the psychologist, balancing patient privacy with parental rights and ensuring effective communication for the student's care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate step the school nurse should take to facilitate consultation with the psychologist is to ask the student's parent for written permission to exchange information with the psychologist. This ensures compliance with patient privacy laws and respects the student's confidentiality. Upon obtaining consent, the nurse can then initiate a professional dialogue with the psychologist about the student's health management plan.

When dealing with minors, healthcare professionals must navigate the complexities of patient privacy and parental rights. Adolescents may be hesitant to share sensitive information, such as sexual health details, with adults if they fear this information being relayed to their parents. Consequently, issues can remain untreated due to a lack of confidential communication.

Thus, direct coordination between the school nurse and the psychologist, with permissible information sharing, will improve the student's care while preserving trust.