Which action most clearly violates a patient's privacy and confidentiality?

Which action most clearly violates a patient's privacy and confidentiality?

• A. Looking up a colleague's diagnosis and laboratory results while he or she is hospitalized
• B. Authorized family member
• C. Discussing care-related information with the patient's physical therapist
• D. Providing a handoff report containing patient information to another department

Answer: (A)

Access to patient information must be limited to those who need it to provide care. Looking up a colleague’s diagnosis and laboratory results while they are hospitalized has no legitimate care-related purpose and constitutes a breach of confidentiality. It uses credentials for personal curiosity rather than to support patient care, which violates privacy protections and professional ethics. The other scenarios described align with appropriate privacy practices when proper authorization, consent, and need-to-know are in place. Sharing care-related information with the patient’s physical therapist supports coordinated care; an authorized family member can access information if the patient has granted permission; and providing a handoff report to another department is a standard part of care continuity when restricted to what is necessary and transmitted securely.

Access to patient information must be limited to those who need it to provide care. Looking up a colleague’s diagnosis and laboratory results while they are hospitalized has no legitimate care-related purpose and constitutes a breach of confidentiality. It uses credentials for personal curiosity rather than to support patient care, which violates privacy protections and professional ethics.

The other scenarios described align with appropriate privacy practices when proper authorization, consent, and need-to-know are in place. Sharing care-related information with the patient’s physical therapist supports coordinated care; an authorized family member can access information if the patient has granted permission; and providing a handoff report to another department is a standard part of care continuity when restricted to what is necessary and transmitted securely.