Select a Community
Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm?
You are done for today with this topic.
Would you like to start learning session with this topic items scheduled for future?
Apologize and say that you must inform her mother because the use of these drugs is illegal
1%
6/441
Apologize and say that you must inform legal authorities because the use of these drugs is illegal
4%
16/441
Apologize and say that you must inform her mother because these drugs pose a danger to her health
14%
61/441
Agree to the patient’s request and do not inform the patient’s mother
9%
40/441
Reassure the patient that there is confidentiality in this situation but encourage her to tell her mother
70%
307/441
Select Answer to see Preferred Response
The Tarasoff decision states that physicians must respect patient privacy except in situations of suspected abuse, reportable diseases (like TB), and immediate and serious harm to others or the patient. In this case none of these criteria are met and the patient should be reassured of confidentiality but should also be encouraged to seek support from her family. When treating adolescents such as this patient, providers must be sensitive to the need for the patient’s autonomy and independence and any requests to keep information confidential. The Tarasoff decision legally codifies the situations under which confidentiality may be broken. The situation in the question does not meet any of these criteria. While the use of illicit drugs is illegal and using illicit drugs may be dangerous to her health, the use of drugs does not pose an immediate and serious threat to the patient or to others. Incorrect Answers: Answer 1: Illegality is not one of the situations that requires breaking confidentiality. The patient’s desire for confidentiality should be respected. Answer 2: The patient is not at risk of seriously harming herself or others, and so informing the legal authorities is not appropriate. Answer 3: While using illicit substances can be hazardous to one’s health, the patient is not posing a serious and immediate risk to herself or others. Examples of situations that would require the breaking of confidentiality are if a patient is at risk of committing suicide or homicide. Answer 4: While the doctor should not inform the patient’s mother, this is not the best response. The best response would also reassure the adolescent of confidentiality to help improve the therapeutic relationship and encourage her to tell her mother herself and gain support from trusted adults. Bullet Summary: When treating adolescents, confidentiality should be reiterated to build a therapeutic alliance.
4.0
(5)
Please Login to add comment