skip to main content

Confidentiality — ABFM Board MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateEthics, professionalism, practice managementConfidentialityABFM Board

A 17-year-old patient tells you he uses cannabis and asks that his parents not be told. He denies driving while intoxicated, coercion, suicidal ideation, or danger to others. Which of the following would you advise this patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Maintain confidentiality while counseling about risks and legal limits

Confidential adolescent care encourages disclosure; limits include serious safety threats, abuse, and jurisdiction-specific reporting requirements.

Reference: American Family Physician clinical reviews and AAFP guidance: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp.html