A 22-year-old client is admitted to the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The client's parent is insisting on knowing the laboratory test results. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?

Choice A reason: Deferring to the provider does not address the confidentiality issue; it suggests the nurse is unwilling rather than clarifying the legal obligation to protect an adult client’s health information. Choice B reason: By stating that only the client can authorize release of their own medical data, the nurse accurately reflects HIPAA and patient‑privacy regulations for an adult. This response both informs the parent and upholds the client’s right to confidentiality. Choice C reason: This response is inappropriate and unprofessional. It fails to acknowledge the parent's concern and does not provide a constructive way to address the situation. Choice D reason: While this response may seem helpful, it is not the nurse's role to promise lab results, especially when there are privacy laws that restrict the sharing of medical information with anyone other than the patient unless consent has been given.