# A client's family member asks the nurse whether the client has HIV. The client has not given permission to share health information. Which response is best?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394080&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Advance Directives  
> category: MOC

## Question

A client's family member asks the nurse whether the client has HIV. The client has not given permission to share health information. Which response is best?

## Option

1. I can share that information with you if you promise to keep it confidential.
2. You may contact the hospital's medical records department for that information.
3. I am allowed to tell you if you are listed as the client's emergency contact.
4. I cannot discuss the client's private health information without permission. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## Explanation

The nurse must protect client confidentiality and cannot disclose HIV status without permission or a legal basis. Being a family member does not automatically grant access to private health information. The nurse should provide a respectful boundary and encourage the family member to speak with the client.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Confidentiality questions test patient rights, not family curiosity.

Memory Tip
No permission, no disclosure.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
Privacy protections require nurses to share health information only with authorized people and for appropriate care purposes.

Caution
HIV status carries stigma and must be handled with strict privacy.

## Key concepts

- **Confidentiality** — The ethical and legal duty to protect private client information.
- **Protected Health Information** — Identifiable health information that must be safeguarded.
- **Authorization** — Permission allowing specified health information to be shared.

## Related questions

- [A competent adult client says, "I am leaving now," despite the provider's recommendation t…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394103&lang=en)
- [The nurse gives a medication 1 hour later than scheduled and realizes the delay after admi…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394112&lang=en)
- [A client has a signed do-not-resuscitate order in the chart. A family member tells the nur…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396575&lang=en)
- [A client with a documented do-not-resuscitate order becomes pulseless. A family member say…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397129&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394080&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394080&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394080&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394080&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394080&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._