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Confidential care under 16 — DRCOG MCQ

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HardEthics, Communication and ConsentConfidential care under 16DRCOG

At 20 weeks of pregnancy, a woman attends with her partner, who answers every question and will not leave the room. She appears anxious. What is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: C — Create a private opportunity to ask about safety

The best answer is “Create a private opportunity to ask about safety”. Controlling behaviour in an antenatal consultation can indicate domestic abuse. The clinician should create a safe, private opportunity to speak with the woman, ask sensitively about safety and respond according to disclosure and risk. It is unsafe to seek the partner’s permission or rely on a joint consultation for a confidential assessment.

Reference: NICE PH50: Domestic violence and abuse: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph50/chapter/recommendations