Author Question: The patient asks the nurse, Why do I have to sign this form? What good does it do me? The nurse ... (Read 61 times)

sarasara · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The patient asks the nurse, Why do I have to sign this form? What good does it do me?

The nurse responds by explaining that the form outlines the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and that HIPAA was enacted primarily to:
a. Protect patient confidentiality and privacy.
b. Render insurance companies accountable for payment for services.
c. Ensure that a person could move his or her health insurance from one place of employment to another.
d. Prevent cultural, ethnic, or gender-based discrimination against patients.

Question 2

The nurse's interview with a new prenatal patient reveals that the patient is taking herbs that she believes will promote her baby's health. The nurse's most appropriate response is:

a. That's a great idea Herbs are natural products and cannot be harmful.
b. It's your choice if you want to take herbs, but the doctor won't like it.
c. It is important to let your doctor know everything you are taking.
d. That is nonsense and could actually harm you or your baby.

Zack0mack0101@yahoo.com · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Patient privacy is protected by federal law and regulated by accrediting agencies. The Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA require a patient's consent before any identifying information (name, Social Security number, diagnosis) is disclosed from the medical records.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Nurses should not advocate or discourage use of herbal and folk remedies. However, health care providers need to know what the patient is taking because herbs and other remedies may affect traditional medicines. Also, the patient may not know whether the herbs are potentially harmful to her or her fetus.