A patient tells his nurse during the initial assessment that he is angry with his girlfriend and plans to kill her with a gun as soon as he is released from the hospital. The nurse confirms that he does have a gun and ammunition
Which statement best describes the nurse's legal and ethical obligation?
1. The nurse may not break confidentiality because of HIPAA.
2. The nurse cannot disclose the information because it is considered privileged.
3. The nurse has a duty to warn the girlfriend and law enforcement of the patient's plans.
4. The nurse may not discuss the assessment with anyone except those caring for the patient.
Answer: 3
Explanation: The right to privacy and confidentiality are very important aspects of care of the psychiatric-mental health patient. However, knowledge of a threat against a person's life is an exception to any confidentiality law and must be reported to avert danger to others. Privilege is a legal term and is only recognized in nurse-patient communications in a small number of states and would not apply in this case.
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a. Chadwick's sign. c. Hegar's sign. b. Goodell's sign. d. McDonald's sign.
The nurse admitting clients to an intensive care unit understands that research demonstrates best client outcomes when clients
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a. "You should allow your health care team to do whatever is needed." b. "The blood supply in this country is the safest in the world." c. "There really is nothing unacceptable about blood transfusion." d. "There are good alternatives to transfu-sions that we can discuss."
What is the maternity nurse's best defense against an accusation of malpractice or negligence?
1. Follows the physician's written orders 2. Acts on the advice of the nurse manager 3. Becomes certified as a nurse–midwife or nurse practitioner 4. Meets the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) standards of practice