The nurse discusses the patient's condition on the phone with the ...

[JGIBBSON]

The nurse discusses the patient's condition on the phone with the patient's brother. On learning this, the patient is upset, saying he has not spoken with his brother for years and does not want his brother to know anything about his condition.
 
  The nurse has
  a. slandered the patient.
  b. committed a felony.
  c. breached confidentiality.
  d. assaulted the patient.

Question 2

The term used to describe a competent patient's agreement to have a surgical procedure after the physician explains the procedure, the desired outcome, possible complications, and possible alternative treatment is
 
  a. statute.
  b. competency.
  c. informed consent.
  d. standard of care.

[brittrenee]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Confidentiality and privacy are the issues. HIPAA provides for only limited disclosure of patient health care information. Patient consent is required to disclose. Disclosure of information is not necessarily slander unless the nurse speaks of the patient in a derogatory way. A felony is a major crime. Assault involves threatening the patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Informed consent requires that the individual receive all relevant information and be able to make a decision based on consideration of the information. Statute is a synonym for law. Competency refers to having the mental capacity to be able to make informed decisions. Standard of care refers to that which a prudent nurse would do in a given situation.