Case Study:
Mrs Suzuki is a 69-year-old Japanese woman admitted to your ward for an abdominoperineal resection for colon cancer. She speaks a little English. Her son and daughter in law have been liaising with staff on behalf of Mrs Suzuki; and the surgical resident obtained consent for Mrs Suzuki’s operation by using her daughter in law as interpreter.
Two days after Mrs Suzuki’s surgery, the ward clerk, who speaks Japanese, tells you that Mrs Suzuki is asking why she has a colostomy and how long it will be necessary. Mrs Suzuki’s daughter in law is currently visiting Mrs Suzuki so you ask to speak to her. She tells you that the family does not want Mrs Suzuki to know she has cancer as “she would give up the will to live”.
What do you believe is the ethical course of action and why?