The parent of an 11-year-old female patient with an inoperable brain tumor confides to the nurse that her daughter's physician is "pushing them" to convince their daughter to participate in a controversial treatment that has a high risk for side effects. She further states that she told him twice that they were not interested. What would be the nurse's best response to this situation?
a) Tell the parents to state in writing that they will not participate in the treatment and give the letter to their physician.
b) Reassure the family that the doctor is acting in their best interests and they should reconsider the treatment.
c) Tell the doctor that the procedure is not in the best interests of his patient and ask him to respect the rights of the family.
d) Meet with the physician and disclose the concerns of the family; refer the case to the institutional ethics committee if not resolved.
Answer: Meet with the physician and disclose the concerns of the family; refer the case to the institutional ethics committee if not resolved.