A 32-Year-Old Physician Approaches a Colleague and Asks If He

question 420

Multiple Choice

A 32-year-old physician approaches a colleague and asks if he would write him a prescription for an antidepressant.  He has known this colleague since medical school and they work closely in the same hospital department.  The physician says he has been under a great deal of stress lately.  His mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and his spouse has complained about his long work hours and disinterest in the relationship.  The physician says, "I'm trying so hard to be everything to everybody, but some days it's just too much.  I would really appreciate if you could help me out.  I don't want this in my medical record.  I don't think I'm clinically depressed; I just think I could feel better."
Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

• A)"Here's a month's supply of medication, but please be sure to follow up with your own doctor."
• B)"Here's a prescription for fluoxetine; let me know if you're not feeling any better in a month."
• C)"I can only prescribe medication for you if I keep some documentation."
• D)"I know you're having a tough time, but I don't think it's best for a colleague to prescribe medication."
• E)"I understand, but I think you should try psychotherapy before considering medication."

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Definitions:

Inattentional Blindness

A psychological lack of attention that is not associated with any vision defects, causing an individual to fail to perceive an unexpected stimulus.

Two-Dimensional

Pertaining to a flat surface or plane, having only two dimensions, such as height and width, without depth.

Three Dimensions

Refers to the three aspects or axes of space—length, width, and depth—that define the physical universe or a geometric body.

Structures

The arrangement or interrelation of parts within a system, forming a complex whole or framework.