Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

What must a facility ensure regarding resident privacy?

1. Residents must be able to choose their roommates

2. Visitors must have unrestricted access to all areas

3. All health information must be shared with family members

4. Residents must have private rooms unless they request otherwise

The correct answer is: Residents must have private rooms unless they request otherwise

Ensuring resident privacy in a nursing home is crucial for maintaining dignity and respect for individuals in such settings. Providing private rooms unless otherwise requested directly addresses the need for personal space and confidentiality. This option allows residents to have control over their immediate environment, which is essential for their emotional well-being and comfort. Having the right to privacy is vital, as residents should feel secure and not be subjected to unwanted observation or intrusion. While some residents may prefer to share a room, others may need the solitude that a private space offers, particularly when it comes to sensitive conversations, medical care, or personal reflection. In contrast, the other options either do not align with privacy considerations or impose unnecessary limitations. For example, allowing unrestricted access for visitors can compromise resident privacy and comfort, as it might lead to unwanted social interactions or exposure during vulnerable times. Sharing all health information with family members bypasses the resident's right to confidentiality, which is a fundamental aspect of healthcare privacy principles. Lastly, while allowing choices regarding roommates promotes autonomy, it does not specifically ensure privacy like having a private room does. Therefore, the requirement for private rooms, unless requested otherwise, focuses directly on the core principle of resident privacy.