Question

A per diem nurse is assigned to a unit for the first time and is unsure of the names and positions of all the staff on the​ unit, but hears a staff conversation in the hallway about panic lab values for a client. The nurse hears the client​'s name and​ diagnosis, and realizes that everyone in the area can hear that information as well. Which priority action should the nurse take at this​ time?

>Find a colleague to ask about which staff belong on the unit
>Realize staff could get upset at reports of panic lab values
>Go to the unit​'s nurse manager and report a breach of privacy
>Interrupt the conversation and remind staff about privacy rights

Answer 1

The priority action is to interrupt the conversation and remind staff about privacy rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority action that the per diem nurse should take in this situation is to interrupt the conversation and remind staff about privacy rights.

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, mandates patient privacy and protects their personal health information. It is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to ensure that patient information is kept confidential and not disclosed in public areas where unauthorized individuals can overhear.

By interrupting the conversation and reminding the staff about privacy rights, the nurse can help maintain patient confidentiality and prevent any further breaches of privacy.