Final answer:
The nurse should confirm the caller's identity before providing any medical information and ask them to come to the unit in person if adequate identification cannot be provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse receives a telephone call requesting the status of a client from an individual who claims to be the client's parent, the nurse should follow proper protocols to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality. In this situation, the nurse should confirm the caller's identity by asking for specific information about the client, such as their date of birth or a unique identification number, before providing any medical information. This helps protect the privacy of the client and ensures that the nurse is speaking with the authorized person.
If the caller cannot provide adequate identification information, the nurse should not provide any medical information over the phone. Instead, the nurse can inform the caller that due to confidentiality policies, information cannot be given over the phone and ask them to come to the unit in person. This allows for a more secure exchange of information and safeguards the privacy of the client.
By following these actions, the nurse can uphold patient confidentiality while also ensuring that authorized parents or guardians receive the necessary information about their child's health.