A patient tells you he found an Internet site offering kidney transplant surgery overseas for a significant amount of money. What is the practical nurse's professional responsibility in response?

• A. Inform Mr. Kassam that he should not waste his money.
• B. Tell Mr. Kassam it is illegal to buy or sell organs in Canada.
• C. Ask Mr. Kassam for more details about the Internet site and details of the transplant service.
• D. Tell Mr. Kassam he must wait until he can receive a kidney in Canada.

Answer: (C)

When a patient mentions an overseas kidney transplant offer, the nurse’s responsibility is to support safe, informed decision-making by gathering information. Asking for more details about the Internet site and the transplant service helps you assess legitimacy, quality of care, and what follow-up and aftercare would look like. It also opens the door to discuss risks, legal and ethical considerations, and alternatives, so the patient can make a well-informed choice. This approach respects the patient’s autonomy while prioritizing safety and proper care planning, including referral to legitimate transplant programs or resources if needed. Quick judgments or dismissals (telling him not to waste money), statements about illegality without verification, or insisting on waiting for care in Canada don’t promote informed choices or patient safety.