What should the nurse first respond to a student nurse who is copying a client's medication administration record without permission?

The most appropriate response in this scenario is to explain that the records are hospital property and may not be removed. This option addresses the fundamental issue of confidentiality and the legal ramifications associated with tampering or unauthorized access to patient information. By clarifying that the medication administration record is considered hospital property, the nurse is not only highlighting a critical ethical obligation regarding patient privacy but also enforcing the policies that govern healthcare practices.

This response goes beyond the immediate action of stopping the student; it also serves an educational purpose, helping the student understand the importance of confidentiality and the legal standards that prohibit unauthorized copying of sensitive information. Establishing this understanding is vital in nursing education, as it emphasizes the professionalism required in handling patient records and the overall ethos of healthcare.

Other options involve reporting or questioning the student’s actions. While notifying a supervisor or instructor or asking if permission was obtained might be necessary steps, they do not directly address the educational component of explaining the rules regarding patient information and hospital policy. The primary purpose should be to instill a clear comprehension of the responsibility nurses hold to protect patient privacy and maintain ethical standards in clinical practice.