You are called to meet with a patient's family on the oncology floor. The patient is a 60-year-old Caucasian man who is on the board of trustees of the hospital where you are employed. His family describes the patient as an extremely controlling and arrogant, yet emotionally vulnerable person. The results of a recent metastatic work up indicate that the patient has disseminated colon cancer and he has been told that the chances for 'cure' of his cancer are 1-5%. The patient's family requests that, even if the patient asks, he not be told of the results of his testing as it will only "depress him". On the patient's previous mental status examination, he is found to be fully oriented, meticulously groomed, and well related. His attitude is noted to be dismissive; he frequently asks why you are assessing him without a surgeon present and writes down your name for credentials verification. There is no evidence of any psychotic process, and the patient laughs when asked about depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation. During his hospital course, he has frequently asked that he be kept fully informed of all pertinent details of his medical testing. The most appropriate response to give to the patient's family regarding their request would be that you
A. are going to comply with the patient's wishes given his rights as a competent person with self determination of care
B. feel that, given the patient's personality, chemotherapy should be initiated promptly with the family consenting in lieu of the patient
C. recognize the personality traits described by the family in your interaction with the patient and will comply with their request
D. will begin a titration of antidepressant medication for approximately 1 week prior to revealing the patient's prognosis to him
E. will discharge the patient imminently given that nothing acute needs to be done and you will let the patient's family divulge whatever they feel is appropriate
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