A nurse observes an unknown man in a laboratory coat making copies of a client’s medical record. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Report the observation to the nurse caring for that client.
B.
Notify hospital security and discuss the situation.
C.
Ask other staff if they recognize the individual.
D.
Approach the man and ask why he is making copies.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
B. Notify hospital security and discuss the situation.
Explanation:
When encountering an unknown individual making copies of a client’s medical record, the nurse must prioritize patient confidentiality and the security of sensitive information. Here’s a detailed explanation of why notifying hospital security is the most appropriate action:
- Confidentiality and Privacy: Medical records are highly confidential and protected under various regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S. Unauthorized access, copying, or sharing of medical records can be a serious violation of patient privacy. The individual making copies of records without proper authorization raises significant concerns about the protection of this sensitive information.
- Authority and Investigation: Hospital security is specifically trained to handle security breaches and unauthorized access issues. They have the authority to investigate the situation thoroughly and take appropriate actions based on their findings. They can also involve law enforcement if necessary, which is beyond the scope of the nurse’s role.
- Potential Risks: Approaching the individual directly (option D) might not be safe or appropriate. The unknown man could be an unauthorized person with potentially malicious intent. Confronting him could lead to escalation or jeopardize the investigation. Additionally, asking other staff (option C) might not yield immediate or reliable information and could potentially spread concern or panic unnecessarily.
- Notification of the Nurse (option A): Reporting the observation to the nurse caring for the client does not address the immediate security breach. The primary concern should be addressing the unauthorized access to medical records rather than informing the client’s direct care nurse.
By notifying hospital security, the nurse ensures that the situation is handled by professionals who can protect patient confidentiality, investigate the breach, and take necessary actions to prevent further incidents. This approach upholds the standards of patient privacy and ensures that any potential violations are dealt with appropriately and professionally.