Question

Mrs. Gloth is an 84-year-old woman whom you are admitting

to the nursing home. Her son takes you aside
and tells you that she has metastatic ovarian cancer but
has not been told the diagnosis. He asks that you not tell
her, because she would "lose all hope and die." Which
of the following is an appropriate response?
a. Tell the son that you are going to immediately inform
the patient of her diagnosis.
b. Tell the son that he can count on you to respect his
wishes.
c. Suggest that you discuss this further after getting to
know the patient and family a little better.
d. Find out from the son what the family has been telling
her about her health, so you will maintain a consistent
story.

Answer 1

The most suitable response to the son's request not to inform Mrs. Gloth of her cancer diagnosis is to suggest further discussion after becoming more familiar with her and her family, which respects the family's wishes and paves the way for future discourse about her care and information sharing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When approached by Mrs. Gloth's son with a request not to inform her of her metastatic ovarian cancer diagnosis, the most appropriate response would be option c: Suggest that you discuss this further after getting to know the patient and family a little better. This approach respects the family's current coping mechanisms while not immediately dismissing their concerns or promising to withhold important information from the patient. It provides an opportunity to understand more about Mrs. Gloth's condition and her family's preferences and sets the stage for a respectful and thoughtful conversation about her care and information sharing in the future.

In the healthcare setting, it is important to consider ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Patients typically have the right to know their diagnosis and to make informed decisions about their care. However, there are also cultural and individual factors that can influence how this information is received and processed by the patient and their family. The son's request indicates a concern that knowing about her diagnosis may cause Mrs. Gloth psychological harm, which is a legitimate concern to consider. Ideally, the healthcare provider should work with the patient and family to determine the best approach that respects the patient's needs and wishes while being sensitive to the family's concerns.