HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

In which situation may a nurse make an exception to client privacy and confidentiality?

1. When a family member offers information about their loved one

2. When the client threatens self-harm and harm to others

3. When the health care provider decides the family has a right to know the client's diagnosis

4. When a visitor insists that the visitor has been given permission by the client

The correct answer is: When the client threatens self-harm and harm to others

In circumstances where a client threatens self-harm or harm to others, a nurse may make an exception to privacy and confidentiality in order to protect the safety and well-being of the client and those around them. This situation triggers the ethical and legal obligation to take action to prevent potential harm. When a serious threat to safety is identified, it is imperative for the healthcare provider to intervene, which may involve disclosing necessary information to appropriate parties, such as mental health professionals or law enforcement. In this context, safeguarding individuals from potential harm outweighs the client’s right to confidentiality, reflecting the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes actions that promote the well-being of clients and others. Therefore, the nurse's responsibility becomes ensuring safety and providing appropriate interventions based on the assessed risk.