What action would likely constitute a breach of patient confidentiality?

Discussing patient information with unauthorized persons would likely constitute a breach of patient confidentiality because it violates the ethical and legal obligations to protect sensitive patient information. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures the privacy of patients' medical records and personal information. When healthcare workers share patient details with individuals who do not have the right or need to know that information, it compromises the trust between the patient and the healthcare provider. This breach can lead to significant consequences, both for the patient, who may feel their privacy is compromised, and for the healthcare professional, who may face disciplinary actions.

In contrast, discussing patient information with authorized personnel is appropriate because those individuals are permitted to access and use this information for the purpose of providing care. Providing information to a family member could also be appropriate, but only if the patient has given consent or if the family member is involved in the patient's care. Accessing patient records for personal reasons is also a violation, as it indicates misuse of access privileges, but discussing patient information with unauthorized persons is the most straightforward breach of confidentiality due to its direct impact on patient privacy.