A family member wants you to keep a secret from a resident about their medical condition and asks you not to answer questions the resident asks about their health status. What should you do?

Question

Accepted Answer

Politely decline and explain that the resident has the right to information about their own care and health. The correct answer is C. Residents have the right to information about their own health, care, and medical condition. You cannot ethically withhold information or keep secrets that affect the resident's autonomy and informed consent. Answer A is incorrect because family members do not have the right to prevent a resident from learning about their own condition. Answer B inappropriately defers your responsibility. Answer D, while respecting the resident's right to information, bypasses proper communication channels through the nurse or healthcare team.