A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations?
1. The nurse refuses to give any information to the caller, citing rules of confidentiality.
2. The nurse hangs up on the caller.
3. The nurse confirms that the person has been at the facility but adds no additional information.
4. The nurse suggests that the caller speak to the client's therapist.

The nurse must uphold both legal and ethical obligations regarding patient confidentiality. By confirming that the individual has been a client at the facility without disclosing any further information, the nurse maintains confidentiality while still acknowledging the individual's history with the facility. This response respects the caller's inquiry while protecting the patient's privacy and rights.

However, offering additional details or directing the caller to the client's therapist could breach confidentiality and violate the patient's privacy rights. Hanging up on the caller would not only be unprofessional but also fail to address their concerns, potentially leading to further inquiries or misunderstandings. Therefore, the appropriate course of action is to confirm the individual's history with the facility without divulging any additional information, thus fulfilling the nurse's legal and ethical obligations.