Therapeutic Comm Q 3
The nurse employed in a mental health clinic is greeted by a neighbor in a local grocery store. The neighbors ask the nurse, “How is Mary doing? She is my best friend and is seen at your clinic every week.” Which is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. "I can not discuss any patient situation with you."
B. "If you want to know about Mary, you need to ask her yourself."
C. "Only because you're worried about a friend, I'll tell you that she is improving."
D. "Being her friend, you know she is having a difficult time and deserves her privacy."
Correct Answer: A. “I cannot discuss any patient situation with you.”
The nurse is required to maintain confidentiality regarding the patient and the patient’s care. Confidentiality is basic to the therapeutic relationship and is a patient’s right. The most appropriate response to the neighbor is the statement of that responsibility in a direct, but polite manner. A blunt statement that does not acknowledge why the nurse cannot reveal patient information may be taken as disrespectful and uncaring.
Option B: Some people working in mental health, such as phone crisis counselors or life coaches, are not licensed by their state. These people may not be legally required to protect client confidentiality. Yet most agree not to reveal identifying information about their clients anyway.
Option C: Confidentiality includes not just the contents of therapy, but often the fact that a client is in therapy. For example, it is common that therapists will not acknowledge their clients if they run into them outside of therapy in an effort to protect client confidentiality.
Option D: The remaining options identify statements that do not maintain patient confidentiality. Therapists who break confidentiality can get in trouble with state licensing boards. They can also be sued by their clients in some cases.