Which action by a nurse demonstrates correct use of electronic health records (EHR) to protect client confidentiality?

Choice A reason: Printing sensitive laboratory results and leaving them at a nurse's station creates a significant risk for unauthorized disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Physical documents are easily misplaced or viewed by non-authorized individuals, violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards for maintaining data privacy and security. Choice B reason: Logging off the terminal immediately after completing clinical documentation is a fundamental security practice. It prevents unauthorized access to the client’s private medical history by others who may use the same workstation. This action ensures that the nurse's unique digital signature and access privileges are not exploited by third parties. Choice C reason: Sharing login credentials with anyone, including student nurses, is a severe breach of institutional security policy and legal regulations. Each healthcare provider must use their own unique identifiers to maintain an accurate audit trail. Allowing others to use a personal login compromises the integrity and accountability of the electronic health record. Choice D reason: Discussing confidential patient data in public or semi-public areas where visitors or other patients can overhear is a violation of professional ethical standards and privacy laws. Nurses must ensure that all clinical handoffs and data reviews occur in private, secure environments to prevent the accidental exposure of sensitive medical information.