Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What should be done to ensure patient privacy before discussing their case?

1. Ask for the family's permission

2. Close the door and draw curtains

3. Only speak quietly

4. Make sure the patient feels comfortable

The correct answer is: Close the door and draw curtains

To ensure patient privacy before discussing their case, drawing curtains and closing the door is essential. This action creates a physical barrier that minimizes the risk of others overhearing sensitive information or witnessing private discussions. Privacy is a key component of patient confidentiality, and taking these steps helps maintain a secure environment where patients can feel safe sharing personal health information. While asking for the family's permission and discussing comfort are important aspects of patient care, they do not specifically address the physical aspect of privacy during discussions. Speaking quietly may help with confidentiality to some extent, but without the protective measures of closed doors and drawn curtains, there is still potential for unintended eavesdropping. Therefore, the most effective way to maintain patient privacy is to ensure that the discussion takes place in a secluded space.