A nurse is documenting information in a computerized health record. Which of the following nursing actions jeopardizes client confidentiality?
A.
Using a computer terminal in a non-public area
B.
Sharing computer passwords with coworkers
C.
Logging out of the computer before leaving a terminal
D.
Preventing an unidentified health care worker from viewing a health record on the computer screen
The correct answer is:
B. Sharing computer passwords with coworkers
Explanation:
- B. Sharing computer passwords with coworkers: Sharing passwords undermines the security and confidentiality of the computerized health record system. Each nurse or healthcare worker should have their own login credentials to ensure that all actions in the system can be traced back to the individual responsible. Sharing passwords increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches of client confidentiality.
- A. Using a computer terminal in a non-public area: Using a terminal in a non-public area helps protect confidentiality by reducing the risk of unauthorized individuals seeing the information. This practice supports, rather than jeopardizes, client confidentiality.
- C. Logging out of the computer before leaving a terminal: Logging out ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot access the health record when the original user is away from the terminal. This practice protects client confidentiality.
- D. Preventing an unidentified health care worker from viewing a health record on the computer screen: This action is a protective measure to ensure that only authorized individuals access client information, thereby supporting confidentiality.
Thus, B. Sharing computer passwords with coworkers is the action that jeopardizes client confidentiality.