Question

A client with renal cancer who has not yet been informed of his diagnosis asks the nurse what his test results showed. How should the nurse respond? "It must be difficult for you not to know the results of your test." "It's nothing to worry about." "The report isn't back yet." "You should probably talk to your physician."

Answer 1

The nurse should direct the patient to speak with their physician for test results, ensuring proper communication and maintaining confidentiality.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient inquires about their test results, especially relating to a sensitive diagnosis like renal cancer, it is important for healthcare professionals to handle the situation with empathy and professionalism. The nurse's response should maintain patient confidentiality and encourage communication with the primary healthcare provider. The most appropriate response is, "You should probably talk to your physician." This encourages the patient to seek information from the person who is most familiar with their case and is authorized to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan. It is unethical and potentially harmful for a nurse or anyone other than a patient's healthcare provider to disclose or discuss diagnosis without proper consent or authority.