EMS Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A complete and clearly written patient care report should not include which of the following?

1. Patient's emergency contact

2. Patient's social security number

3. Patient's medical history

4. Patient's symptoms

The correct answer is: Patient's social security number

A complete and clearly written patient care report serves multiple purposes, including legal documentation, continuity of care, and communication among healthcare providers. The inclusion of sensitive information is carefully regulated to protect patient confidentiality and comply with privacy laws such as HIPAA. The reason for the exclusion of the patient's social security number is tied to privacy and security concerns. Including this information can unnecessarily expose the patient to identity theft and breaches of privacy. It is important to maintain confidentiality and only document information that is pertinent to the patient's care and treatment. On the other hand, a patient's emergency contact is essential for reaching out to family or relatives in critical situations. The patient's medical history provides vital context for diagnosis and treatment, and documenting symptoms is critical for understanding the patient's condition and guiding further medical interventions. Each of these elements is actively relevant to patient care and safety, while the social security number does not contribute to immediate patient care and raises ethical concerns over privacy.