A 46-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department with Chest

A 46-year-old man comes to the emergency department with chest pain that began 30 minutes ago.  The patient describes the pain as a tight, squeezing sensation that radiates to the left arm.  He also has increased sweating and nausea.  ECG shows multi-lead ST-segment elevation, and cardiac troponin levels are high.  The patient has a history of alcohol and cocaine abuse, but no history of cardiac disease.  He undergoes emergency cardiac catheterization and is recovering appropriately in the postanesthetic care unit.  The physician is approached by a distraught woman who says she is the patient's wife and asks about his condition.  She says, "I am so worried; please tell me if my husband is okay."  Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action?

A) Discuss the patient's medical information with the woman due to the seriousness of his condition
B) Discuss the patient's status with the woman only if she has appropriate identification
C) Explain to the woman that no information can be disclosed without the patient's permission
D) Explain to the woman that the patient's status cannot be disclosed as there is no way to be sure she is his spouse
E) Tell the woman that the patient is stable, but that further details will have to wait until the patient can give permission

Correct Answer:

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