Describe the nurse’s obligations when a patient requests access to their own medical records.

• A. Provide access only after a lengthy delay.
• B. Deny access to protect privacy.
• C. Facilitate access promptly, verify identity, provide accurate information, and ensure the patient understands content and implications.
• D. Provide access without confirming identity.

Answer: (C)

Access to their own medical records is a patient right that supports autonomy and informed decision-making. The nurse’s obligation is to facilitate access promptly while protecting confidentiality. This means verifying the patient’s identity to ensure the information is released to the right person, providing the records in a usable and accurate form, and helping the patient understand what the documents say and what the information implies for their care. Practical steps include confirming identity, determining what parts of the record are being requested, offering copies or secure online access, and taking time to explain medical terms, test results, and treatment implications. If there are questions or confusion, the nurse should clarify and, if needed, coordinate with the care team to ensure the patient truly understands the content. While privacy protections are important, denying or delaying access without a valid reason undermines trust and patient rights; providing access with proper safeguards is the appropriate approach.