Question

An 18-year-old college student is seen in the emergency room, claiming she was raped by a 29-year-old janitor in her dorm four hours ago. He threatened her with a knife and she did not resist. She appears calm and has a flattened affect when the history is taken. Currently, she is sexually active with a fellow student and is taking birth control pills. The alleged attacker used a condom, which she helped him put on. The student is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. She is a cheerleader for the college football team. Examination reveals no bruising and gynecologic examination reveals no apparent injuries. Which of the following statements is the most likely explanation for this patient's presentation?

A. The attack was not emotionally traumatic
B. The student is in shock
C. The attack never happened
D. The student cooperated with the attacker
E. The student suffers from chronic depression

Answer 1

The most likely explanation for this patient's presentation is that the student cooperated with the attacker.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely explanation for this patient's presentation is D. The student cooperated with the attacker. This conclusion is based on several factors:

1. The student did not resist the attacker, which may indicate cooperation.
2. She appears calm and has a flattened affect, which could be a response to being emotionally overwhelmed or dissociation.
3. No bruising or apparent injuries were found during the examination, indicating that there was no physical struggle.
4. The fact that the alleged attacker used a condom, which the student helped him put on, suggests some level of voluntary participation.

It is essential to approach this situation with sensitivity and support for the student, as being cooperative in a sexual assault does not diminish the trauma she may have experienced. Encouraging her to seek appropriate medical, emotional, and legal support is crucial.