Question

You are dispatched to the local juvenile facility for an injured male. You arrive to find a 15-year-old in the health clinic. He has some scratch marks on his back and some circumferential abrasions around his wrists. The guard states he was acting out and needed to be restrained. He would like you to check him out. You question the patient as to what happened. The patient states, 'Just like the guard said.' You sense there is more to the story. What should you do next?

Answer 1

In situations where a patient in a juvenile facility presents with injuries potentially caused by restraints, the healthcare provider should ensure the patient's privacy for an honest discussion, carefully document findings, and follow reporting protocols for non-accidental trauma.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a patient with injuries, especially in a juvenile facility, it's essential to consider patient safety, legal implications, and the potential for non-accidental trauma. In the described scenario, the patient has scratches on his back and circumferential abrasions around his wrists, which could suggest excessive force or mistreatment. Despite the guard's statement, the healthcare provider should conduct a thorough examination, document the findings carefully, and maintain an objective stance. It may be necessary to ensure the patient's privacy to allow for a candid discussion about the events leading to injury.

If the patient seems hesitant or fearful to disclose the full story, it would be appropriate to separately interview the patient without the guard present. This might provide a more trustworthy account of the situation, as the presence of authority figures could influence the patient's willingness to speak openly. In instances of suspected abuse or inappropriate use of restraint, it's critical to follow proper reporting protocols to protect the patient's rights and well-being.