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ethics question

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (Kaptest.com)

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TSR
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04/20/08 - 05:41 PM

Can a physician provide sterile needles for intravenous drug abusers? (Important)
Answer: YES. It reduces the risk of acquiring HIV or hepatitis. The patients should be referred to appropriate health facilities.

Is this correct? Why does he needs to provide sterile needles if he refers a patient to appropriate health facilities? Is in't it a kind of encouraging the patient to use i.v.drugs?

DrVirgo
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04/25/08 - 08:09 AM

There are actually many programs that provide needles to IV drug users... They go around in vans to these neighborhoods and hand out needles, condoms, etc... They figure the people are going to use drugs and have sex anyway, and it is very difficult for them to get these people to come in to the clinic to get treatment so they might as well provide them a safe way to lead their lifestyle, and PREVENT others from getting diseased. So, although it does sound like encouraging or rewarding a bad behavior, it actually prevents the spread of disease... Me and you might not agree with this method, but this IS what happens out there.
Sad, but this is a reality.

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paheli
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04/27/08 - 06:20 AM

So, what are you going to pick in the exam? What's right by the books? Or what happens in real life?

Thanks.

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peter90036
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05/02/08 - 09:38 AM

DrV:

so would you rather they use each other's needles, spread disease even more = increasing prevalence?

these people eventually end up in the hospital, and a hospital worker might stick themselves accidentally with this persons blood - in a higher prevalence of the disease the risk of acquiring by accidental exposure is alot higher.

DrVirgo
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05/02/08 - 08:22 PM

peter90036 wrote:
DrV:

so would you rather they use each other's needles, spread disease even more = increasing prevalence?

no... I rather treat these patients, but since this not possible due to non-compliance it has come down to giving them clean needles.
-If there is an option between do nothing and give him new needles, go with the latter.
-However if there is a better answer like treat him and his partner or something like that then go with treat... (am I right?)

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peter90036
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05/02/08 - 09:51 PM

yup

WaqasQureshi
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05/14/08 - 04:00 AM

I hope it wont be there in the exam grin

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