Chapter 2 Case Studies (1/2)
Questions and Answers
If the patients results are entered into the handheld device, who would be able to legally
access that medical information? - answerAny member of the health care team who
cares for the patient can access the EMR if authorized with the necessary passwords.
Some health care facilities authorize the phlebotomist to have access to this
information; other facilities do not.
Is it okay for the phlebotomist to collect a blood specimen while the nurse is conducting
a health assessment? - answerIn this situation, the nurse is revealing information about
the abnormal chest x-ray that may be upsetting to the patient. Since the phlebotomist
does not need to be directly involved with this aspect of the health assessment, it would
be best if he or she could give the nurse and patient some private time to go over the
abnormal results. The phlebotomist can come back a few minutes later to collect the
blood specimen.
Does the patient have to sign a consent form with regard to her electronic medical
record? - answerThe patient has a right to privacy and confidentiality and knowledge
about who has access to her medical information. Normally, the hospital would have a
consent form that should be signed by the patient prior to entering or accessing
information in the electronic system.
Is this situation acceptable? If not, give some suggestions about how to improve it. -
answerThis situation may be somewhat uncomfortable for the patient and the
phlebotomist because there is no need for the phlebotomist to hear about the abnormal
result. However, if the phlebotomist could simply ask "would you like some privacy while
you discuss the results? Can I come back in a few minutes". It might be that the patient
would prefer to get the blood specimen taken care of and she would not mind
discussing the chest x-ray during the procedure. However, it is probably best to have
her undivided attention during the venipuncture procedure. Take verbal cues from both
the patient and nurse and act responsibly and professionally.
Questions and Answers
If the patients results are entered into the handheld device, who would be able to legally
access that medical information? - answerAny member of the health care team who
cares for the patient can access the EMR if authorized with the necessary passwords.
Some health care facilities authorize the phlebotomist to have access to this
information; other facilities do not.
Is it okay for the phlebotomist to collect a blood specimen while the nurse is conducting
a health assessment? - answerIn this situation, the nurse is revealing information about
the abnormal chest x-ray that may be upsetting to the patient. Since the phlebotomist
does not need to be directly involved with this aspect of the health assessment, it would
be best if he or she could give the nurse and patient some private time to go over the
abnormal results. The phlebotomist can come back a few minutes later to collect the
blood specimen.
Does the patient have to sign a consent form with regard to her electronic medical
record? - answerThe patient has a right to privacy and confidentiality and knowledge
about who has access to her medical information. Normally, the hospital would have a
consent form that should be signed by the patient prior to entering or accessing
information in the electronic system.
Is this situation acceptable? If not, give some suggestions about how to improve it. -
answerThis situation may be somewhat uncomfortable for the patient and the
phlebotomist because there is no need for the phlebotomist to hear about the abnormal
result. However, if the phlebotomist could simply ask "would you like some privacy while
you discuss the results? Can I come back in a few minutes". It might be that the patient
would prefer to get the blood specimen taken care of and she would not mind
discussing the chest x-ray during the procedure. However, it is probably best to have
her undivided attention during the venipuncture procedure. Take verbal cues from both
the patient and nurse and act responsibly and professionally.
