A charge nurse is supervising the care of several clients. Which of the following actions requires intervention by the charge nurse?

A.

A nurse is photocopying their assigned client’s diagnostic test results.

B.

An assistive personnel (AP) documents a client’s vital signs on the client’s paper-based graphic record.

C.

The unit secretary faxes a client’s laboratory results to the provider.

D.

An RN stays with a client who is reading the medical records that were requested.

The correct answer is:

A. A nurse is photocopying their assigned client’s diagnostic test results.

Explanation:

Photocopying a client’s diagnostic test results can violate patient confidentiality and privacy regulations. Such actions should be avoided to protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized access. In healthcare settings, diagnostic results and other sensitive documents should be handled according to strict confidentiality protocols.

Here’s why the other actions are typically acceptable:

• B. An assistive personnel (AP) documents a client’s vital signs on the client’s paper-based graphic record: Documenting vital signs in the appropriate record is standard practice and does not typically violate confidentiality if done correctly.
• C. The unit secretary faxes a client’s laboratory results to the provider: This is a common and acceptable method for communicating test results to providers, provided that secure faxing procedures are followed to ensure confidentiality.
• D. An RN stays with a client who is reading the medical records that were requested: It is appropriate for an RN to be present if the client is reviewing their own medical records, ensuring that privacy and understanding are maintained.

Correct answer: A