Editing Management of Care – RN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 13==
A registered nurse is reviewing confidentiality practices on the unit. Which actions represent a breach of client confidentiality? '''Select all that apply.'''
# Discussing a client's laboratory results with the physical therapist who is treating that client.
# Accessing the electronic record of a coworker who was admitted to the unit but is not assigned to the nurse.
# Posting a photograph of the unit break room on social media that includes a visible assignment board with client names.
# Leaving a workstation logged in and unattended at the nurses' station.
# Giving a verbal handoff report to the oncoming nurse who is assuming care of the client.
# Telling a client's neighbor who telephones the unit that the client is improving.

'''Answer:''' 2, 3, 4, and 6.

''Rationale:'' Protected health information may be disclosed only to those with a legitimate need to know for treatment, payment, or health care operations, and only the minimum necessary. Accessing a record without a care relationship is a breach regardless of intent or curiosity (option 2). Incidental disclosure through a photograph is still disclosure (option 3). An unattended logged-in workstation exposes records to anyone passing by (option 4). A caller with no authorization has no right to any information, including confirmation that the client is present (option 6). Options 1 and 5 are permitted disclosures to members of the treatment team caring for that client.