A nurse working on a psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from the employer of one of the clients on the unit
The employer asks to be sent a copy of Mr. Murray's latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so Mr. Murray's medical records in employee health can be kept up-to-date. Based on the nurse's knowledge about issues surrounding breach of confidentiality, which response would be the most appropriate?
A) "I'm sorry; we're not allowed to give out that information about our client."
B) "I'll have to get the client's signed consent before we can send that information to you."
C) "I am unable to acknowledge whether or not a Mr. Murray is a client on this unit."
D) "Sure, give me your address, and I will see that the information is sent to you."
Ans: C
A breach of confidentiality is the release of client information without the client's consent in the absence of legal compulsion or authorization to release information. Acknowledging that Mr. Murray is a client on the unit would be such a breach. Even if the nurse explains that he or she cannot give the information without the client's consent, the explanation lets the employer know that Mr. Murray is receiving care in a psychiatric hospital.
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