Geriatric Nurse Aide (GNA) Practice Exam

Patient confidentiality is crucial for a Geriatric Nurse Aide (GNA) because it safeguards the privacy and dignity of the patient while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Maintaining confidentiality fosters trust between the patient and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective care. When patients feel that their personal information is protected, they are more likely to communicate openly about their health concerns, leading to better health outcomes.

Additionally, legal frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandate strict guidelines for handling patient information. Breaching confidentiality can result in significant legal consequences for both the individual caregiver and the healthcare facility. Therefore, adhering to confidentiality practices is not only an ethical obligation but also a legal one, reinforcing the overall integrity of medical and nursing professions.

In contrast, the other provided options do not encompass the primary purposes of patient confidentiality. Conversations between patients, scheduling care, or discussions with family members do not encapsulate the fundamental goal of maintaining a patient's privacy and dignity in the healthcare setting.