A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who is to be transferred to a long-term care facility. The nurse should recognize that which of the following actions is a breach of client confidentiality?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Providing a verbal report of the client's status to a paramedic performing the transfer: Sharing relevant health information with personnel directly involved in the client’s care is appropriate and necessary for continuity of care. This does not constitute a breach of confidentiality because it is directly related to the client’s treatment and transfer. B. Faxing the client's medical records to the long-term care facility: Sending medical records to the receiving facility ensures that the client’s care can continue without interruption. As long as the transmission is secure and the information is limited to what is necessary, this is an appropriate and legally permissible action. C. Discussing the client's reaction to the transfer with another staff nurse: Sharing personal information about the client’s emotional response outside of a care-related context is not necessary for treatment or transfer and constitutes a breach of confidentiality. Such discussions should be avoided to protect the client’s privacy. D. Leaving a phone message for the provider regarding the status of the client's transfer: Communicating with the provider about the client’s care is appropriate. Leaving a message regarding transfer status is relevant to the client’s treatment and does not violate confidentiality, provided the information is limited to necessary clinical details.