An unaccompanied 16-year-old girl comes to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. The client has a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C) and a pulse of 120/min and is lethargic. The client's parents are out of town, and no guardians can be reached. How should this client's care be handled?

Question

An unaccompanied 16-year-old girl comes to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting.  The client has a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C) and a pulse of 120/min and is lethargic.  The client's parents are out of town, and no guardians can be reached.  How should this client's care be handled?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cb9e_b886_b433_6ffc91cb9d2f_MD0009_00 An unaccompanied minor should be treated if the medical condition is an emergency and should be assessed and stabilized. This client clearly has a medical need and could suffer consequences if not treated. In this scenario, care should be rendered and then explained later to the parent or guardian. This approach is supported by the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. In addition, underage clients may consent in certain circumstances without parental consent. These circumstances usually include treatment for substance abuse problems, psychiatric disorders, or sexual transmitted diseases. (Option B) This client has signs/symptoms of systemic infection and possible dehydration or sepsis, an emergent condition. It is unknown when the parents or guardians can be reached. It would be negligent to not further assess and treat a potentially worsening condition. It is assumed that the parents or guardians would want safe, quality care for the client. (Option C) Qualifications for the status of emancipated minor are subject to state legislation but usually include individuals age <18 who are parents or pregnant, married, living as financially independent, or in the military. This client needs care that should be rendered regardless of status. (Option D) Providing follow-up advice will not stabilize a potentially serious medical condition. Care must be provided. Educational objective: An underage client whose parents or guardians cannot be contacted and who needs emergency care should receive all necessary medical care until a parent or guardian can be reached to provide consent.

An Unaccompanied 16-Year-Old Girl Comes to the Emergency Department with Severe