A Female Patient Is Hospitalized with Traumatic Injuries Caused by a Vehicular

A female patient is hospitalized with traumatic injuries caused by a vehicular collision. Her daughter, who was killed in the accident, was taken to the same hospital. The patient, who had been driving the vehicle, constantly asks the nurse about her daughter. The orthopedic surgeon has told the nurse not to tell the patient about the death of her daughter. The orthopedic surgeon does not give the nurse any reason for these instructions. The nurse expresses concern to the nurse manager, who says that the orthopedic surgeon will decide when the patient should be told. However, the nurse is not comfortable with this and wonders what should be done. Which of the following terms best describes this situation?  

A) incongruent values  
B) values conflict  
C) overt values  
D) societal values