Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What is considered identifiable health information?

1. A photograph of a patient's leg showing a unique tattoo

2. A patient's chart listing his history of a stroke last year

3. A blank menu for a regular diet on the patient's over-bed table

4. A laboratory report with the patient's name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and room number deleted

The correct answer is: A photograph of a patient's leg showing a unique tattoo

Identifiable health information refers to any data that can be used to identify an individual and is related to their health. A photograph of a patient's leg showing a unique tattoo qualifies as identifiable health information because the tattoo itself is a specific feature that can be directly linked to that patient, making it unique and identifiable. In contrast, a patient's chart listing their history of a stroke does not inherently include identifying information about the individual unless it contains other details that allow for identification. A blank menu for a regular diet lacks any specific identification of a patient, as it does not provide any personal health information. A laboratory report with identifying details deleted does not qualify as identifiable health information since the essential identifiers have been removed, making it impossible to associate the information with a specific individual. Thus, the photograph stands out as the only option that encompasses identifiable health information.