Which situation demonstrates appropriate adherence to confidentiality?

Storing patient records in a locked cabinet exemplifies appropriate adherence to confidentiality because it ensures that sensitive patient information is protected from unauthorized access. This practice aligns with legal and ethical standards in healthcare, such as maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality as mandated by laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). By securing physical records in a locked cabinet, healthcare providers can safeguard against potential breaches of patient privacy and maintain the trust necessary for effective patient care.

In contrast, discussing patient cases in the breakroom, providing updates over the phone without verifying the recipient's identity, or texting patient information can lead to unintentional disclosures of personal health information, compromising patient confidentiality. Each of these other options presents a risk of sensitive information being overheard or accessed by unauthorized individuals, which violates guidelines on maintaining patient confidentiality.