What should a physician do if disclosing medical information to a patient may harm their health?

In situations where disclosing medical information might harm a patient's health, the physician's obligation is to prioritize the patient's well-being while ensuring that the patient receives appropriate care. By choosing to only release information to a designated physician, the healthcare provider minimizes the risk of causing additional distress or harm to the patient. This approach allows the designated physician to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate way to handle the information, possibly by providing support or additional context to the patient in a safe manner. Consulting another medical professional ensures that the patient’s health is considered from multiple perspectives, especially in sensitive situations where direct communication might have negative consequences.

The other responses may not adequately address the potential harm that could come from the direct disclosure of sensitive or distressing information to the patient. Each of those options might lead to greater risks or fail to prioritize the patient's health effectively. Thus, involving another medical professional through a designated physician can help manage the situation with appropriate care.