Behavioral Science & Ethics USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 35-year-old woman visits her physician and reports that her husband has been physically abusing her for the past 6 months. She has bruises on her arms and torso. She begs the physician not to report the abuse, stating she is afraid of retaliation. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
Answer choices
- ARespect the patient's wishes and do not report
- BConfront the husband directly about the abuse
- CDocument the injuries, provide resources, and develop a safety plan with the patientCorrect answer
- DReport the abuse to law enforcement as required by mandatory reporting laws
- ERefer the patient to a psychiatrist for evaluation of secondary gain
- FPrescribe benzodiazepines to help the patient cope with her anxiety about the situation
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