NCLEX-PN

Triage Categories

D. Information Technology in Healthcare Information technology (IT) is the use of electronic technological advances such as computers, remote telehealth, and telecommunication within the healthcare environment to capture, store, maintain, and preserve health and medical information and data, to transmit data and information to others within and outside of the specific healthcare setting, and to facilitate healthcare providers’ (including nurses') ability to retrieve data and information. An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a client's paper chart, providing secure and instant access to authorized users. It stores information such as demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data, and radiology reports. An EHR is used to generate a complete record of a clinical client encounter, as well as to support other care-related activities, such as evidence-based decision support , quality management, and outcomes reporting. It is important to remember that the use of information technology should always be centered on client safety and improved outcomes. It is also essential to know how to use information technology and information systems to enter computer documentation in a client's medical record accurately and in a timely manner. You must also understand the principles of privacy, confidentiality, and security when accessing client records, always bearing in mind the regulations of your own facility. Information technology can also be used to provide higher-quality care to clients; for example, telehealth uses telecommunications technology to transmit health information remotely. Some of the uses of Information technology in terms of client care and healthcare include: ●​ Barcodes : Barcodes in healthcare are used to quickly identify client information such as medical history or current medications. Bar codes with unique client identifiers can prevent and avoid medical errors secondary to the poor identification of a client before treatments, including medication errors and wrong procedure errors Barcodes can also be used to track client supplies such as medications and medical equipment.

48

© 2025 ACHIEVE ULTIMATE CREDIT-BY-EXAM GUIDE | NCLEX-PN ​

​

​

​

​