Confidentiality case studies

Case 1

Your 36-year-old patient has just tested positive for HIV. He asks that you not inform his wife of the results and claims he is not ready to tell her yet. What is your role legally? What would you say to your patient? Discussion Case 2 A 75-year-old woman shows signs of abuse that appears to be inflicted by her husband. As he is her primary caregiver, she feels dependent on him and pleads with you not to say anything to him about it. How is this case different from Case 1? How would you handle this situation? Discussion Case 3 A 60-year-old man has a heart attack and is admitted to the medical floor with a very poor prognosis. He asks that you not share any of his medical information with his wife as he does not think she will be able to take it. His wife catches you in the hall and asks about her husband's prognosis. Would you tell his wife? What are you required to do legally? Discussion