Question

A terminally ill patient with AIDS is the victim of a gunshot wound during a domestic argument. The investigator should __________.

1) Advise the Department of Public Health of the AIDS diagnosis.
2) Maintain external confidentiality regarding the preexisting AIDS diagnosis.
3) Advise the pathologist of the preexisting history.
4) Make autopsy personnel aware of the preexisting history.
5) All of the above

Answer 1

The investigator should maintain confidentiality regarding the victim's preexisting AIDS diagnosis, inform only relevant medical and autopsy personnel, and adhere to ethical standards and privacy laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an investigator is involved in a case where a terminally ill patient with AIDS is the victim in a crime such as a gunshot wound, they should maintain external confidentiality regarding the preexisting AIDS diagnosis while ensuring that relevant health and autopsy personnel are informed to take necessary precautions. Therefore, the correct answer is to:

• Maintain external confidentiality regarding the preexisting AIDS diagnosis.
• Advise the pathologist of the preexisting history.
• Make autopsy personnel aware of the preexisting history.

Informing the Department of Public Health may be appropriate depending on local public health laws and reporting requirements related to infectious diseases, and it's vital to ensure the safety of the medical personnel handling the body. Additionally, upholding ethical standards and privacy laws such as HIPAA is crucial in managing such sensitive information.