View source for WBR1023

{{WBRQuestion
|QuestionAuthor={{VB}}
|ExamType=USMLE Step 1
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|MainCategory=Ethics
|Prompt=The patient has an absolute right to maintain all his medical information confidential. It’s a physician's duty to respect this privacy and to withhold share any private medical matters with anyone, including family members, close friends, or colleagues. Which of the following conditions does not uphold this principle?
|Explanation=There are certain circumstances in which a physician can disclose patient information:
* When authorized by the patient. 
* When police holds a warrant demanding information. 
* When asked by a court of law. 
* When withholding a disease may be a public threat.
|AnswerA=A physician withholds information from a spouse demanding to know more about her husband's diagnosis
|AnswerAExp=Unless the patient specifically permits sharing his medical information, it cannot be shared even with his wife.
|AnswerB=A physician withholds information from an employer calls to ask about the reason an employee has been absent
|AnswerBExp=The situation demands a valid written consent from patient, which must be calmly explained to the employer.
|AnswerC=A physician withholds information from a colleague that asks about his son who tested positive for syphilis
|AnswerCExp=Even sharing medical knowledge with a fellow physician is not permitted by privacy laws.
|AnswerD=A physician divulges information to state police officers who call about a man suspected of rape and murder.
|AnswerDExp=Police needs a valid warrant to be given any patient information.
|AnswerE=A physician divulges the diagnosis to the family of a patient with pertussis.
|AnswerEExp=Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can have severe consequences in patients of all ages. Individuals in close contact with patients diagnosed with pertussis require post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent transmission and symptomatic disease. Physicians are allowed to divulge specific medical information when withholding it may be a public threat.
|RightAnswer=D
|Approved=Yes
}}