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    Medical Surgical 11 Benchmark 1 Proctored Exam

    A nurse using social media responsibly should:

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Posting workplace frustrations, even anonymously, can lead to professional repercussions and damage the reputation of the healthcare facility. Anonymity is never guaranteed online, and such posts can often be traced back to the individual. This behavior violates professional standards of conduct and can create a toxic environment that reflects poorly on the nurse's professional judgment and character. Choice B reason: Accepting friend requests from clients creates a significant boundary violation. The nurse-patient relationship is a professional, therapeutic one characterized by an inherent power imbalance. Moving this relationship into the personal sphere of social media blurs these boundaries, potentially compromises the nurse's objectivity, and can lead to ethical dilemmas or legal issues regarding the privacy of the patient. Choice C reason: Posting client stories without names is still a violation of HIPAA and professional ethics. Even without a name, "de-identified" stories often contain enough specific clinical or situational detail that the patient can be identified by others in the community or by the patient themselves. This constitutes a breach of confidentiality and erodes public trust in the nursing profession's commitment to privacy. Choice D reason: The most responsible use of social media for a nurse is the absolute maintenance of patient privacy. This means never sharing any details about patient care, clinical experiences, or workplace specifics that could identify a patient or a facility. By keeping professional and personal lives separate, the nurse adheres to legal requirements (HIPAA) and the ethical standards set by the Board of Nursing.

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