A 78-year-old patient with advanced pancreatic cancer is admitted to the oncology unit. The patient's adult children insist that their parent not be told the terminal prognosis, stating 'it will destroy his will to live.' The patient, who is alert and oriented, directly asks the nurse, 'Am I going to die from this?' Which action by the nurse best upholds ethical and legal obligations?
- Honor the family's request and withhold prognostic information to protect the patient's emotional well-being.
- Inform the patient that this is a question best answered by the physician and notify the provider of the patient's request for information.
- Reassure the patient that the medical team is doing everything possible and redirect the conversation.
- Directly tell the patient the full terminal prognosis since the patient has a right to know.