A client's daughter is sitting by her mother's bedside who was recently transferred to the Intermediate Care Unit. She states "I don't understand what a brain attack is. The healthcare provider told me my mother is in serious condition and they are going to run several tests. I just don't know what is going on. What happened to my mother?" What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "I am sorry, but according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA), I cannot give you any information."
B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been blocked."
C) "How do you feel about what the healthcare provider said?"
D) "I will call the healthcare provider so he/she can talk to you about your mother's serious condition."
Answer: B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been blocked."
Rationale: The nurse can discuss what a diagnosis means. Nancy is unable to make decisions, so the next of kin, her daughter, Gail, needs sufficient information to make informed decisions. The nurse has the knowledge, and the responsibility, to explain Nancy's condition to Gail. The nurse should give facts first, and then address her feelings after the information is provided.
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