What is the primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is to ensure the confidentiality and security of health information. HIPAA establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. By safeguarding the privacy of health data, HIPAA aims to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive patient information, preventing unauthorized access and disclosure. This focus on privacy and security helps build trust between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that personal health information is handled responsibly and ethically.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary benefit of using electronic health records (EHRs) in healthcare is that they improve the accuracy and completeness of patient information. By utilizing EHRs, healthcare providers have access to more reliable and up-to-date patient data, which leads to better patient care outcomes. This improved accuracy enables healthcare professionals to make better-informed decisions and provide more effective treatments, ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The client's self-report of pain is the most reliable indicator of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's self-report provides direct insight into their perception of pain intensity, quality, and impact on daily life. Vital signs, body language, and medical history can offer additional information but may not accurately reflect the client's actual pain experience. Therefore, relying on the client's self-report ensures a more accurate assessment of their pain and helps in tailoring appropriate interventions and treatment plans.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Shaking the inhaler before use is crucial to ensure proper mixing of the medication. This action helps distribute the medication evenly, allowing for consistent dosing with each use. It is a vital step in using a metered-dose inhaler correctly to optimize its effectiveness in managing respiratory conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is a beneficial dietary modification for clients with hypertension. Fiber helps in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health by promoting better digestion and regulating cholesterol levels. Therefore, advising a client with hypertension to increase fiber intake can be beneficial for their overall health. In contrast, increasing sodium intake can lead to higher blood pressure, reducing potassium intake is not recommended as potassium helps in regulating blood pressure, and reducing calcium intake is not typically necessary for hypertension management.