A nurse observes a student nurse taking a copy of a client's medication administration record. Which action is appropriate?

• A. Explain that the records are hospital property and may not be removed
• B. Allow it if the student is supervised
• C. Allow because patient records are public
• D. Keep the copy and pass it to the patient later

Answer: (A)

The core idea here is protecting patient privacy and handling health information appropriately. Medical records contain private health information (PHI) and are controlled by hospital policies and laws such as HIPAA. They belong to the facility, and access is limited to authorized personnel to ensure confidentiality and proper use. Copying a client’s medication administration record and removing that copy from the unit breaches privacy, risks exposure of sensitive data, and undermines the record’s security and accountability. The appropriate response is to reinforce the policy: records are hospital property and may not be removed, and any access or copying must follow proper procedures and supervision. If the student needs to learn from the MAR, use supervised, in-unit review or de-identified data through approved educational channels, or obtain authorization to access or reproduce records through the proper departments. The other options imply loosening confidentiality or bypassing policy, which would create privacy and legal problems and are not acceptable.