Rick walks into the emergency room and asks to see a doctor. He explains that he has a fever, but he does not report that he gave himself an injection of dirty water that is probably responsible for his fever. Without this information, the medical staff cannot determine the cause of for Rick's fever, so they admit him for observation. Rick is delighted because he enjoys the "sick role." After numerous tests are run, the staff is still puzzled, so they call for a psychiatric consult. The psychiatrist should consider the diagnosis of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rick intentionally withheld important information about his self-injection of dirty water, which suggests he may have a factitious disorder. This disorder involves purposely feigning physical or psychological symptoms to assume the "sick role" and receive attention from medical staff. Seeking medical attention in this way is not motivated by any external incentives, such as avoiding work or receiving financial compensation. Thus, A is the best choice.

Rick Walks into the Emergency Room and Asks to See