|
Year |
2001 |
|---|---|
|
Question Number |
72. |
|
Category |
Select |
Question
A woman who claims to have slipped on a wet floor at home is brought to an emergency department by her husband, who appears inebriated. Examination of the patient reveals multiple contusions to the head, upper extremities, and torso, as well as a midshaft transverse fracture of the right ulna. In addition to fracture and soft-tissue treatment, management should include
1- placing the husband under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
2- placing the husband under house arrest for reckless endangerment.
3- placing the patient in protective custody
4- consulting social services for investigation of possible spousal abuse.
5- consulting social services regarding an alcohol detoxification program.
Figures
Answer (click for answer)
Answer-4. The woman presented in the above vignette has many signs of abuse, multiple injuries of varying age, a story not consistent with the injury pattern, and a drunken husband. The required action of the physician is to report the suspected case of abuse to social services for evaluation of abuse (this is the same for kids and the elderly). Physicians are not police officers or social workers and truly the only reasonable answer is 4, it is our job to recognize the signs of abuse and make the appropriate referrals so that patients can get help.
Reference: Zillmer DA: Domestic Violence: The role of the orthopaedic surgeon in identification and treatment. JAAOS 2000;8:91-96.