Safety & ProfessionalismQuestion 84 of 100
Two technicians are discussing a patient's abnormal EKG in a crowded elevator. What is the problem?
a.Nothing, as long as they do not use the patient's last name
b.Nothing, because both are employees of the facility
c.It is only a problem if a family member is present
d.Protected health information is being disclosed where unauthorized people can overhear it
Explanation
Discussing a patient where visitors and unrelated staff can overhear is an improper disclosure of protected health information, and clinical conversations belong in private areas. Omitting the last name does not protect a patient who can still be identified from context. Being coworkers permits discussion only when there is a treatment need and a private setting, and the violation exists whether or not a relative happens to be present.
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Related questions on this topic
- Before performing an EKG on an inpatient, how should the technician identify the patient?
- An EKG technician looks up the chart of a coworker who was admitted overnight, out of concern for her wellbeing. Is this permitted?
- When must an EKG technician perform hand hygiene?
- A patient's chest has an open, draining wound near a chest electrode site. What does the bloodborne pathogens standard require of the technician?
- A patient asks the EKG technician, "Does this tracing mean I had a heart attack?" What is the appropriate response?
- While attaching electrodes, the technician sees ventricular fibrillation appear on the screen and the patient becomes unresponsive. What is the first action?
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