You are dispatched to a residence for a 17-year-old woman with acute abdominal pain. The patient is uncomfortable with parental presence; you should:

• A. Proceed without privacy
• B. Ask the parents to leave the room
• C. Ignore privacy
• D. Diplomatically ask the parents for privacy

Answer: (D)

Respecting adolescent privacy is essential in the emergency setting. A 17-year-old with acute abdominal pain often needs to discuss sensitive topics—pregnancy potential, sexual activity, contraception, or possible abuse—to properly assess and manage her condition. If she is uncomfortable with parental presence, the best approach is to diplomatically ask the parents to step out so you can speak with her privately for part of the history and the examination. This communicates respect, protects confidentiality, and helps her disclose information honestly, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and safe care. You can then rejoin the patient with the parents for the discussion of findings, diagnosis, and plan, ensuring everyone is informed and involved. Probing the patient in private fosters trust and leads to better, more complete information than proceeding with or ignoring privacy.