Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care (D029)

Correct answer A. I will be able to track my health information.

Explanation:

Electronic health records (EHRs) provide patients with access to their health data, allowing them to track their medical history, test results, medications, and upcoming appointments. EHRs promote continuity of care by ensuring that different providers can access updated patient information when needed. This enhances patient engagement in their own healthcare management and encourages better communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Why other options are wrong:

B. My personal information will be entered into a national database.

EHRs are not stored in a single national database but are instead maintained by individual healthcare facilities or networks. While interoperability efforts aim to allow different healthcare systems to share data securely, each facility is responsible for protecting patient privacy and complying with regulations such as HIPAA.

C. I will have one EHR that will encompass the health care I've received over my lifetime.

Although EHRs improve record-keeping, they are not universally consolidated into a single lifelong record. Different healthcare providers may use different EHR systems, and interoperability is still a work in progress. Patients often need to transfer records between providers manually or through electronic health information exchanges.

D. The goal of EHR is to improve insurance coding.

While EHRs can assist with accurate billing and coding, their primary purpose is to enhance patient care, improve accessibility to medical records, and facilitate communication among healthcare providers. They help ensure timely and efficient treatment, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes.

Correct answer A. The client's room number

Explanation:

Client identification should always use two unique identifiers, such as the client’s name, birth date, or medical record number, to prevent medication errors. Using the client’s room number is unsafe because room assignments can change, and multiple clients may be in the same room. The charge nurse must intervene to ensure that the newly licensed nurse follows proper patient identification protocols.

Why other options are wrong:

B. The client's telephone number.

A client's telephone number is an acceptable identifier because it is unique to the individual and can be used alongside another identifier to verify the correct patient.

C. The client's birth date.

The client’s birth date is a commonly used and reliable patient identifier. It helps ensure that medication is administered to the correct client when combined with another identifier, such as the medical record number.

D. The client's medical record number.

The medical record number is a unique identifier specific to each client. It is one of the safest and most recommended ways to confirm a patient’s identity before administering medication.

Correct answer B. Client information should not be sent via email due to confidentiality concerns.

Explanation:

Emailing client information, even if password-protected or sent to a personal account, violates patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. Protected Health Information (PHI) must be stored and transmitted only through secure, encrypted systems approved by the healthcare facility. Unauthorized access or accidental exposure of PHI can lead to legal and ethical consequences.

Why other options are wrong:

A. Emailing client information is acceptable as long as it is password protected.

Even if the email is password protected, it is still an insecure way to transmit PHI. Healthcare organizations require encryption and secure messaging platforms, not personal email accounts.

C. It is fine to share client information with colleagues through email.

Email is not a secure platform for sharing PHI, even among colleagues. Secure messaging systems approved by the facility should be used instead.

D. Using personal email accounts for client information is safe if the account is secure.

Personal email accounts do not have the encryption or security necessary to protect PHI. Even a secure account does not meet the regulatory standards set by HIPAA.

Correct answer A. I can help you find reliable resources and we can review them together.

Explanation:

Providing guidance on reliable health information sources empowers the client to make informed decisions while preventing misinformation. The nurse plays a key role in health education by helping clients navigate credible sources, such as government health websites and professional organizations. Reviewing the information together ensures that the client understands the content and feels supported in managing their hypertension. This approach also promotes shared decision-making and enhances patient autonomy.

Why other options are wrong:

B. You should avoid looking online and just follow your doctor's advice.

While a healthcare provider's advice is crucial, completely discouraging online research may limit the client’s ability to stay informed. Instead of dismissing online information, the nurse should guide the client toward reliable sources rather than leaving them to navigate potentially misleading or overwhelming content alone.

C. It's best to focus on medication management and not worry about other information.

Managing hypertension involves more than just medication; lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, are equally important. The nurse should encourage a holistic approach to disease management rather than restricting the client’s focus solely to medication.

D. You can ask your family members to help you with online research.

While family support can be beneficial, the nurse should not shift responsibility entirely to them. Family members may also struggle to identify credible sources, and without proper guidance, they might provide the client with inaccurate or confusing information.

Correct answer A. I ensure that all paper records are stored in a locked cabinet when not in use.

Explanation:

Ensuring that paper records are securely stored when not in use is a fundamental practice to protect patient confidentiality. Locking records in a cabinet prevents unauthorized access and aligns with HIPAA regulations and best practices in maintaining privacy and security in healthcare settings.

Why other options are wrong:

B. I often leave my computer logged in to save time.

Leaving a computer logged in when unattended is a major security risk. It can allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive patient data, violating confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

C. I discuss client information openly with my colleagues in the break room.

Discussing patient information in public areas breaches confidentiality. Patient information should only be discussed in private, professional settings when necessary for patient care.

D. I only use my personal email to communicate with clients.

Using personal email for client communication is not secure and does not comply with privacy regulations. Healthcare providers should use encrypted, secure communication platforms to protect patient data.

Correct answer A. Assess the client's respiratory status.

Explanation:

The priority action when a pulse oximeter alarm indicates low oxygen saturation is to assess the client's respiratory status. The nurse should check for signs of respiratory distress, such as increased work of breathing, cyanosis, or altered level of consciousness. Assessing the client ensures that any critical deterioration is promptly recognized and addressed before troubleshooting the equipment.

Why other options are wrong:

B. Adjust the alarm settings on the device.

Changing the alarm settings without first verifying the client's condition could lead to a missed critical event. Alarm parameters should only be adjusted after confirming the client is stable and that the device is functioning correctly.

C. Notify the healthcare provider about the alarms.

While notifying the provider is important if there is an actual drop in oxygen levels, the nurse must first assess the client to determine whether the alarm is accurate or if it is due to an equipment issue. Immediate assessment allows the nurse to gather necessary information before calling the provider.

D. Check the positioning of the pulse oximeter probe.

Although an improperly placed sensor can cause false readings, the nurse should first assess the client’s respiratory status. If the child is in distress, repositioning the probe alone will not address the underlying issue. Once the client is stable, the nurse can then check equipment placement.

Correct answer D. I will ensure that my screen isn't visible to others when I'm documenting.

Explanation:

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of HIPAA compliance. Ensuring that a computer screen displaying sensitive client information is not visible to unauthorized individuals prevents breaches of privacy. This practice protects patient information from being accessed by individuals who are not involved in their care.

Why other options are wrong:

A. A client can obtain a copy of their psychotherapy notes.

While clients generally have the right to access their medical records, psychotherapy notes are an exception. These notes are kept separate from standard medical records and are typically not disclosed to clients to protect the integrity of the therapeutic process.

B. I can remain logged on to my computer if I step away for less than 5 minutes.

Leaving a computer logged in, even for a short period, creates a risk of unauthorized access to patient information. Healthcare organizations require automatic logouts or mandate that staff log off when leaving a workstation to protect patient privacy.

C. I will create a simple password that is easy to remember.

Simple passwords are a security risk because they can be easily guessed or hacked. Healthcare facilities require strong passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to patient records.

Correct answer A. I'm not a hospital employee so the rules don't really apply to me.

Explanation:

All individuals who have access to patient information, including students, volunteers, and temporary workers, must comply with HIPAA regulations. The confidentiality and privacy rules apply to everyone, regardless of employment status. Student nurses must follow the same standards of patient privacy as hospital staff, and any breach of confidentiality could result in serious legal consequences.

Why other options are wrong:

B. I will be sure not to take any papers with me when I leave the unit.

This statement reflects an appropriate understanding of HIPAA and patient privacy. Removing physical documents with patient information is a breach of confidentiality, so the student is demonstrating proper compliance.

C. Oh, that's about HIPAA — we learned about that in class.

This statement indicates that the student recognizes the importance of HIPAA and understands that confidentiality rules exist. This does not require further teaching because the student acknowledges learning about privacy laws.

D. Yes, our instructor had us sign a sheet about that the first day we came here.

This suggests that the student is aware of institutional privacy policies and has signed an agreement, likely acknowledging responsibility for maintaining confidentiality. This statement does not indicate a misunderstanding of privacy policies.

Correct answer A. Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC)

Explanation:

The Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) is specifically designed to measure and compare nursing care outcomes across different healthcare settings. It provides standardized outcome measures that help assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions and track patient progress. By using NOC, nurses can evaluate patient responses to care and contribute to evidence-based practice.

Why other options are wrong:

B. Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC).

NIC is focused on standardizing nursing interventions rather than outcomes. It categorizes the treatments that nurses perform and helps ensure consistency in nursing care but does not specifically measure or compare patient outcomes.

C. Clinical Care Classification (CCC).

CCC is designed for use in electronic health records to standardize nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. While it supports documentation and communication in healthcare settings, it is not primarily focused on comparing nursing care outcomes across different settings.

D. Nursing Management Minimum Data Set (NMMDS).

NMMDS is a dataset that focuses on nursing administration and management, including staffing, resource allocation, and workload. It is not designed for measuring and comparing nursing care outcomes.