Which term describes the obligation to keep a patient's information private?

Which term describes the obligation to keep a patient's information private?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Justice
• D. Autonomy

Answer: (B)

The term that describes the obligation to keep a patient's information private is confidentiality. This principle is fundamental in healthcare, as it ensures that sensitive information shared by the patient during medical consultations remains protected. Confidentiality fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, allowing patients to speak freely about their conditions without fear of their information being disclosed without consent. In practice, maintaining confidentiality involves safeguarding patient records, being careful about discussions in public spaces, and only sharing information with individuals who have the appropriate authority or the patient's permission. By adhering to this principle, healthcare professionals also comply with legal and ethical standards that govern patient privacy and data protection. Fidelity relates to being faithful to commitments and promises made to patients, while justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare. Autonomy centers on respecting a patient's independence in making their own healthcare decisions. While these concepts are also vital in nursing and healthcare, they do not specifically pertain to the obligation of keeping information private, which is the essence of confidentiality.

The term that describes the obligation to keep a patient's information private is confidentiality. This principle is fundamental in healthcare, as it ensures that sensitive information shared by the patient during medical consultations remains protected. Confidentiality fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, allowing patients to speak freely about their conditions without fear of their information being disclosed without consent.

In practice, maintaining confidentiality involves safeguarding patient records, being careful about discussions in public spaces, and only sharing information with individuals who have the appropriate authority or the patient's permission. By adhering to this principle, healthcare professionals also comply with legal and ethical standards that govern patient privacy and data protection.

Fidelity relates to being faithful to commitments and promises made to patients, while justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare. Autonomy centers on respecting a patient's independence in making their own healthcare decisions. While these concepts are also vital in nursing and healthcare, they do not specifically pertain to the obligation of keeping information private, which is the essence of confidentiality.