A 16-Year-Old Girl Comes to the Office for an Initial

question 62

Multiple Choice

A 16-year-old girl comes to the office for an initial patient visit.  Medical conditions include asthma and mild acne.  The patient maintains a B+ average at school.  She does not smoke or use illicit drugs regularly but has tried alcohol and marijuana at parties a few times.  She is not sexually active.  When asked about extracurricular activities, the patient confides that she is thinking about quitting her high school softball team because "the other girls are mean, and I just don't enjoy playing anymore."  When asked to describe how she feels, she hesitantly mentions that she gets depressed at times and frequently feels self-conscious and that no one likes her.  The patient appears uncomfortable and nervously asks the physician. "You won't say anything about this to my parents, will you?"  Which of the following is the most appropriate response to the patient?

• A)Everything we discuss about your emotions, drugs, and sexual issues is just between you and me
• B)Everything we discuss will be kept private with a few exceptions as required by law
• C)I will not volunteer any information but must respond truthfully if your parents ask any questions about your condition
• D)It's good that you're talking about what's bothering you, but I am obligated to keep your parents informed because you are a minor
• E)The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ensures that everything you say will be kept private

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Definitions:

Deceitful Signal

A type of communication in the animal kingdom where an organism sends a misleading signal to benefit itself at the expense of another.

Honest Signaling

A concept in evolutionary biology where signals, often used in mate selection, reliably indicate the fitness or quality of the signaler.

Deceitful Signaling

A form of communication in the animal kingdom where an organism sends a misleading signal to benefit itself at the expense of another.

Signal Benefit

The advantage gained by individuals from communicating certain information to others, often in the context of mating or social interaction.