Due to Significant Shortness of Breath, an 80-Year-Old Man Is

Due to significant shortness of breath, an 80-year-old man is rushed to the emergency room by his son. The patient has a persistent cough and has lost 13.6 kg (30 lb) in the last 6 months. A chest x-ray reveals a big tumor in the right lung and a pleural effusion. The patient is admitted to the hospital and undergoes bronchoscopy with biopsy; the pathology report reveals bronchogenic cancer. When the doctor suggests a private chat regarding the biopsy results, the patient responds, "I'd rather not be told anything. You are free to discuss anything with my kid. I have faith in his judgment." The patient is intellectually sound and shows no indications of mental disease. Which of the following is the most suitable medical response?

A) "Could you tell me why you decided to get a bronchoscopy done if you did not wish to know the results?"
B) "Hearing about test results can be stressful.  Would you like to speak to the chaplain before making a decision?"
C) "I appreciate why you would not want to hear the results, but you could make informed decisions about your health if you knew."
D) "I understand that you would not like to be told the results of the biopsy.  I will share them with your son."
E) "Not knowing your results may also cause anxiety; let's discuss this with your son and see what he thinks."

Correct Answer:

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