A 72-year-old Arabian American patient has just been diagnosed with cancer of the colon. The family does not want the patient to be told about the diagnosis. Which action by the nurse is best initially?
a. Tell the patient anyway, because patients have a right to know.
b. Call a religious counselor.
c. Insist that the family tell the patient about the diagnosis.
d. Respect the family's wishes.
ANS: D
Initially, the family's wishes should be respected. This may be important in their culture. An ethics committee may be contacted for further input if the situation warrants it. A, B, and C are culturally insensitive.
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