A competent adult client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit for diagnostic testing. The healthcare provider informs the client's adult children that the client has advanced, inoperable cancer. The children urgently request that the healthcare team withhold this diagnosis from the client, explaining that in their culture, delivering terminal news removes a person's hope and accelerates death. Shortly after, the client asks the primary nurse, "What did the scan show? Am I going to be okay?" Which of the following is the most appropriate ethical action by the nurse?
- Validate the client's inquiry and collaborate with the healthcare provider to ensure the client is fully informed about the scan results.Answer
- BWithhold the medical information to respect the family's cultural values and protect the client from potential psychological harm.
- CTell the client not to worry about the scan results because the interdisciplinary team is doing everything possible to provide comfort.
- DAsk the client why they are anxious about the scan results rather than focusing on resting and recovering.
Answer
The most appropriate ethical action is to validate the client's inquiry and collaborate with the healthcare provider to ensure the client is fully informed about the scan results.
The correct action upholds the ethical principles of autonomy (the right to self-determination) and veracity (truth-telling). A competent adult has the fundamental right to know their medical diagnosis. When a family requests that information be withheld (a form of paternalism), the nurse must advocate for the client. Because delivering a new medical diagnosis is typically the responsibility of the healthcare provider, the most appropriate action is to validate the client's concern and coordinate with the provider to ensure the client is informed.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Client Autonomy and Veracity versus Paternalism