The nurse asks the mother of a child with a chronic illness many questions as part of the assessment. The mother answers several questions, then stops and says, "I don't know why you ask me all this. Who gets to know this information?"

Question

The nurse should respond in what manner?
a. Determine why the mother is so suspicious.
b. Determine what the mother does not want to tell.
c. Explain who will have access to the information.
d. Explain that everything is confidential and that no one else will know what is said.

Answer 1

ANS: C
Communication with the family should not be invasive. The nurse needs to explain the importance of collecting the information, its applicability to the child's care, and who will have access to the information. The mother is not being suspicious and is not necessarily withholding important information. She has a right to understand how the information she provides will be used. The nurse will need to share, through both oral and written communication, clinically relevant information with other involved health professionals.