Question

You just left your patient's room with her husband at bedside. You then receive a phone call from someone states that she is your patient's mother and demands updates about your patient. What should you do NEXT?

1) Politely ask for the caller's name and relationship to the patient, and explain that you cannot provide updates without proper authorization.
2) Provide the caller with a brief update on the patient's condition.
3) Ask the caller to come to the hospital in person to discuss the patient's condition.
4) Transfer the call to the nurse in charge of the patient's care.

Answer 1

The best course of action is to politely ask for the caller's name and relationship to the patient, and explain that you cannot provide updates without proper authorization. Patient confidentiality is paramount in healthcare.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best course of action in this situation is to politely ask for the caller's name and relationship to the patient, and explain that you cannot provide updates without proper authorization.

Option 1 is the correct choice because patient confidentiality is paramount in healthcare. Without proper authorization, you cannot disclose any patient information, even to immediate family members.

By asking for the caller's name and relationship to the patient, you can gather information to determine if they are authorized to receive updates. If they are not, you can explain the hospital's policy and offer guidance on how to obtain the necessary authorization.

Remember, it is important to always prioritize patient confidentiality and follow the appropriate protocols to ensure that patient information remains secure.