Psychiatrymiddle twist
A 79-year-old woman is an inpatient on a psychiatric ward being treated for a depressive episode. She is oriented, gives a coherent account of her illness and its treatment, and manages her own finances and household at home. Her son telephones the ward, tells the resident he is her next of kin and that he is worried, and asks what she has been diagnosed with and what medication she is on. She has not been asked whether information may be shared with her family. Which one of the following is the most appropriate response by the resident?