A nurse is developing a plan to reduce data entry errors and maintain confidentiality. Which guidelines should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Bypass the firewall.
b. Implement an automatic sign-off.
c. Create a password with just letters.
d. Use a programmed speed-dial key when faxing.
e. Impose disciplinary actions for inappropriate access.
f. Shred papers containing personal health information (PHI).

Answer 1

ANS: B, D, E, F
When faxing, use programmed speed-dial keys to eliminate the chance of a dialing error and misdirected information. An automatic sign-off is a safety mechanism that logs a user off the computer system after a specified period of inactivity. Disciplinary action, including loss of employment, occurs when nurses or other health care personnel inappropriately access patient information. All papers containing PHI (e.g., Social Security number, date of birth or age, patient's name or address) must be destroyed immediately after you use or fax them. Most agencies have shredders or locked receptacles for shredding and incineration. Strong passwords use combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols that are difficult to guess. A firewall is a combination of hardware and software that protects private network resources (e.g., the information system of the hospital) from outside hackers, network damage, and theft or misuse of information and should not be bypassed.