Question

A 72-year-old woman with mild dementia attends clinic with her daughter. The daughter asks to speak to you alone and requests that you withhold the diagnosis of breast cancer from her mother "because it will upset her". The patient has previously stated that she wishes to be involved in decisions about her health and appears able to understand explanations. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Explain the diagnosis and options to the patient in a way she can understand, respecting her wish to be involved

Answer

Agree not to tell the patient and discuss everything with the daughter instead

Answer

Rely solely on the daughter’s views to determine treatment

Answer

Record the diagnosis but avoid any discussion with the patient

Answer

Tell the patient only if she specifically asks

Practice question