Responding to patient questions about other patients

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Just wondering what you guys opinions would be in responding to this scenario?

after completing last offices on a patient in a bay, mr smith notices that his neighbours curtains have been closed for some time and asks you 'if they are alright?'

How would you respond to him?

thank you, I'm still new to all of this 😣

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It depends on the exact situation. Is Mr. Smith going to observe the deceased being moved out of the room? Or is Mr. Smith going to be out of the room in just a few minutes? Did he hear the activities surrounding the death? etc.

There have been times when a death is obvious and another patient or family has needed to know the truth. There are other times when a "white lie" is the best thing to do. It depends on the details.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Is this a homework question? Tell us what your research has told you.

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I would state (kindly): "Well, this is awkward because I know you're asking out of concern, but I'm not at liberty to discuss other patients' situations."

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I usually just tell them they passed away since this isn't protected information.

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I usually just tell them they passed away since this isn't protected information.

Agreed, it isn't, but the asker doesn't know that. I don't want to give the impression that I just answer whatever questions patients ask me about other patients.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I would state (kindly): "Well, this is awkward because I know you're asking out of concern, but I'm not at liberty to discuss other patients' situations."

You never get in trouble for saying that you cannot discuss other patients. Do it tactfully and you won't have any issues.

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