The nurse confirms that a patient who has threatened to kill a family member has a gun and ammunition at home. 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 patient's family member and law enforcement of the patient's plans.
4. The nurse may not discuss the assessment with anyone except those caring for the patient.
3. The nurse has a duty to warn the patient's family member and law enforcement of the patient's plans.
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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