You volunteer at a community clinic.A 17-year-old girl claims to have a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection and presents with Chlamydia.The team leader at the clinic advises that:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the principles of medical ethics, care can be provided as long as the patient or in this case, the teen, gives voluntary consent and is given information about the available treatment options. Although the age of legal consent varies from state to state, withholding treatment for an STI such as Chlamydia could lead to further health complications for the patient and potential transmission to others. Referral to a family general practitioner may also be a viable option; however, it may delay necessary treatment and put the patient at risk. Obtaining telephone consent from a parent or legal guardian may not be feasible in this situation, as the patient may not feel comfortable disclosing their healthcare information to their parents or may not have a trusted guardian available.

You Volunteer at a Community Clinic