A nurse is using a computerized system to document and report client information.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure confidentiality of computerized records?
(Select all that apply.).
A.
Use a personal password to log on and off the system.
B.
Share the password with a trusted colleague in case of emergency.
C.
Leave the computer unattended while logged on to save time.
D.
Shred any unnecessary computer-generated worksheets.
E.
Install a firewall on the personal computer to prevent unauthorized access.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To ensure the confidentiality of computerized records, the nurse should take the following actions:
A. Use a personal password to log on and off the system. D. Shred any unnecessary computer-generated worksheets. E. Install a firewall on the personal computer to prevent unauthorized access.
Explanation:
- Use a Personal Password to Log On and Off the System (A): This is a fundamental practice for maintaining confidentiality. Personal passwords are crucial for safeguarding computerized records. Each user should have a unique password to prevent unauthorized access. Logging off or locking the computer when not in use is essential to protect sensitive information from being viewed or altered by unauthorized individuals. Passwords should be strong and changed regularly to minimize security risks.
- Shred Any Unnecessary Computer-Generated Worksheets (D): While shredding physical documents is a well-known practice for maintaining confidentiality, it also applies to computer-generated worksheets. In the context of electronic records, this translates to properly deleting or securely archiving unnecessary or outdated documents. Digital documents should be disposed of according to institutional policies, ensuring they cannot be accessed or recovered by unauthorized parties.
- Install a Firewall on the Personal Computer to Prevent Unauthorized Access (E): Firewalls act as a barrier between a computer network and potential external threats, helping to prevent unauthorized access. Installing a firewall on personal and institutional computers is critical in protecting confidential client information from cyberattacks. This measure ensures that sensitive data is not intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals over the internet.
Actions Not Recommended:
- B. Share the Password with a Trusted Colleague in Case of Emergency: Sharing passwords, even with trusted colleagues, compromises the security of the computerized system. Each user should maintain their individual credentials to ensure accountability and traceability. In emergencies, there should be established procedures for accessing information that do not involve sharing passwords.
- C. Leave the Computer Unattended While Logged On to Save Time: Leaving a computer unattended while logged on poses a significant risk to data confidentiality. Unauthorized individuals might gain access to sensitive information. It is critical to log off or lock the computer when leaving it unattended to protect against unauthorized access.
By following the recommended practices, the nurse can help ensure the confidentiality and security of computerized client records.