When given confidential information about a client by a nurse, what should the nurse aide do?

The appropriate course of action when a nurse aide is given confidential information about a client is to keep that information private. Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental principle of healthcare, as it helps to protect the client's privacy and builds trust in the caregiver-client relationship. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes guidelines for the protection of patient information, emphasizing that such information should only be disclosed to individuals who are authorized to receive it.

If a nurse aide shares confidential information with family members, discusses it with other aides who are not directly involved in the client's care, or writes it down for future reference, they could be violating the client's privacy rights and potentially facing disciplinary actions. Therefore, prioritizing confidentiality is essential in preserving the integrity and respect of the healthcare profession.