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Communicating test results
I'm an RN working in an NP-led clinic. Recently, an NP assessed a client for a routine physical and ordered blood work. The results did not indicate anything outside of normal limits or anything else of concern. The client called to ask about her blood work. Am I allowed to tell her the results?
All nurses — RNs, RPNs and NPs — can communicate test results and health conditions (such as pregnancy) that are neither diseases nor disorders. Similarly, nurses can communicate findings from an assessment to clients. Nurses must not communicate a diagnosis to clients when discussing test results or assessment findings, unless it has been delegated to them by an NP or physician. Nurses support their clients and may need to encourage them to follow up with their NP or physician as needed to receive or clarify a diagnosis.
