A visitor asks about a client's illness; the nurse declines to discuss it. This is an example of what?

• A. Informed consent
• B. Breach of confidentiality
• C. Privacy invasion
• D. Confidential communication

Answer: (B)

Safeguarding patient privacy and confidentiality is the key idea. When a visitor asks about a client’s illness, the nurse’s refusal to discuss it protects the patient’s private health information from unauthorized disclosure. This upholds the obligation to share information only with those who have a legitimate need or the patient’s consent. Informed consent relates to agreeing to care, not about sharing details. A privacy invasion would occur if someone’s information were exposed or improperly pursued, which isn’t the case here. A breach of confidentiality would mean information was disclosed without authorization; since no disclosure happens, that isn’t what’s happening. So the nurse’s action demonstrates maintaining confidentiality and respecting the patient’s privacy.