What statement is an argument in favor of truth-telling to patients?

• A. Most patients really do prefer to be told the truth about their diagnosis
• B. Truth-telling can be injurious
• C. Data from surveys suggest that most patients really do prefer to be told the truth about their prognosis
• D. Withholding information is never harmful

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is honoring patient autonomy through truthful communication. Saying that most patients really do prefer to be told the truth about their diagnosis directly ties disclosure to respecting a patient's right to know and to make informed decisions about their care. When you have data showing patients want the information, sharing the diagnosis becomes an autonomous, patient-centered practice that supports informed consent, planning, and shared decision-making.

The other statements don't fit as well. Saying truth-telling can be injurious points to possible harm, which is a reason some clinicians might withhold information. Saying withholding information is never harmful denies the real trade-offs involved in disclosure. And focusing on prognosis, while related, narrows the argument to a specific aspect of information rather than the diagnosis itself, making it a less direct justification for truth-telling in general.