How could Mrs. O'Shea have better handled the conversation regarding Mr. West's condition?

Mrs. O'Shea could have better handled the conversation regarding Mr. West's condition by choosing not to share any information with Mrs. Haas. This approach maintains confidentiality and respects Mr. West’s privacy. By refraining from discussing his condition, Mrs. O'Shea avoids escalating any potential gossip and protects the professional and personal dignity of Mr. West.

This approach also aligns with ethical standards in professional environments, where sharing sensitive information without consent can lead to trust issues and harm relationships. Overall, prioritizing privacy underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism within the workplace. This choice would have allowed Mrs. O'Shea to navigate the situation without contributing to potentially harmful speculation or gossip.