01-16-2015, 03:55 AM
You are the inpatient physician taking care of an elderly woman who will
likely be diagnosed with metastatic cancer pending the results of a biopsy.
Although the patient is alert and oriented, she is very sick and the family has
concerns regarding lack of a cure. The family asks that you inform them first
about the results of the biopsy. They do not want to depress the patient
further, and appear very genuine in their concern. What should you tell them?
A) You will communicate the results to them first
B) You ask for the ethics committee to get involved
C) Tell them that you are obligated to inform the patient of the findings
D) Explain to them that that decision can only be made by the healthcare
proxy
likely be diagnosed with metastatic cancer pending the results of a biopsy.
Although the patient is alert and oriented, she is very sick and the family has
concerns regarding lack of a cure. The family asks that you inform them first
about the results of the biopsy. They do not want to depress the patient
further, and appear very genuine in their concern. What should you tell them?
A) You will communicate the results to them first
B) You ask for the ethics committee to get involved
C) Tell them that you are obligated to inform the patient of the findings
D) Explain to them that that decision can only be made by the healthcare
proxy