WBR1019
| Author | [[PageAuthor::Ogheneochuko Ajari, MB.BS, MS [1]]] |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | ExamType::USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | MainCategory::Ethics |
| Sub Category | SubCategory::General Principles |
| Prompt | Prompt::A 16 – year old boy presents to the hospital with complaints of genital ulcers. The physician made a diagnosis of genital herpes. Prior to initiating therapy, which of the following courses of action is the most appropriate? |
| Answer A | AnswerA::Notify his parents |
| Answer A Explanation | AnswerAExp::Incorrect. See explanation |
| Answer B | AnswerB::Get the permission from the parents to treat |
| Answer B Explanation | AnswerBExp::Incorrect. Parental consent is not required in treating sexually transmitted diseases. |
| Answer C | AnswerC::Notify the sexual partners |
| Answer C Explanation | AnswerCExp::Incorrect. The patient has rights to confidentiality and this cannot be violated by the physician. |
| Answer D | AnswerD::Recommend that he tells his sexual partners |
| Answer D Explanation | AnswerDExp::Correct. See explanation. |
| Answer E | AnswerE::Notify the appropriate state agency |
| Answer E Explanation | AnswerEExp::Incorrect. Genital herpes is not among the notifiable diseases. |
| Right Answer | RightAnswer::D |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::The patient retains the right to make the decision regarding his treatment but the physician can make recommendations that would be in the best interest of all parties involved (in this case the patient and his sexual partners). Although the patient is a minor, parental consent is not required in treating sexually transmitted diseases. The physician cannot also notify his parents because of his patient’s rights to privacy and confidentiality, unless he is incapacitated and not able to make a decision for himself, then information could be disclosed to family or friends.
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| Approved | Approved::Yes |
| Keyword | |
| Linked Question | Linked:: |
| Order in Linked Questions | LinkedOrder:: |