Urinary Tract Infection Case Study

Case: Dr. Smith, was a practicing physician in a small town. He was looking after Hansen's family from the birth of their 2 children. One afternoon Mrs Hansen came to the office with her oldest son, Jacob, who was 15 years of age. The kid was under Dr. Smith care from the birth, he knew this bright boy very well. Recently he advised his mom that he will start seeing the boy alone without mom supervision in the exam room. Mom wasn't happy about it but Dr. Smith advised her that at his age it is important to have trusting relationship with the boy. The reason for this visit, according to mom, was that the boy complain about a urinary tract infection. Nothing to worry about, but she wanted him to see the doctor. During the conversation with Jacob after examining the symptoms Dr. Smith started to suspect that it wasn't a urinary tract infection, but rather seems to be sexually transmitted disease(STD). The boy at first was reluctant to admit the truth, but finally he told his physician that he went to the party recently where he became intimate with the boy. He asked the doctor not to revile this to his parents because they will not accept him as gay and he is not sure if he is gay or not himself. He also said he is dating a girl now and would like to have sexual relationship with her. She is on the pill so he doesn't think that …show more content…
Smith and his adolescent patient Jacob. First is the question of confidentiality. Can we apply the same confidentiality principals to the children under the age of 16 as we apply to the adults? What are the reasons for confidentiality in medical practices and how we can translate it into the rights of children. Second question is the informed consent and what is the appropriate age for children is to consider informed consent. How early in young adult's lives we can give them the autonomy from parents to make decisions for