How do you respond to this phone call? What is the appropriate course of action?

Question

The phone in the nursing station rings, and you answer it. The person on the line asks to have the call transferred into Mrs. Livers’ room. Mrs Livers was transferred to the MICU only ½ hour ago after being found in cardiac arrest.

In regards to HIPAA

Answer 1

She has been moved to MICU because of cardiac arrest, you can leave a message?

Answer 2

1.) Transfer them to the room.  Let it ring, as no one is there.

2.) "I'm sorry, Mrs. Livers is out of her room right now.  Can I take a message and have her get back to you?"

Answer 3

You say she is not available at this time and redirect the caller to someone else.

Answer 4

(1) Ask your head nurse or hospital administrator, and (2) if you must respond, say "she's not in her room right now."   Its up to the family designees to decide who learns what and when.

Answer 5

She's being seen by the doctor right now.

Answer 6

tell them she was transferred to MICU. no use hiding anything