A 31-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office for a Routine

A 31-year-old man comes to the office for a routine annual examination.  The patient mentions that he is engaged to be married, but adds that he is not sure he is ready to make a commitment.  He says, "I love my fiancée, but I have recently had some relationships with men.  My fiancée wants to have children as soon as we are married, but I feel 'boxed in' by this and want to be absolutely sure that this is what I want."  The patient feels conflicted, as he enjoys sex with his fiancée but wonders about other options.  He has had sexual intercourse with men in the past and has used condoms most of the time.  The patient does not use illicit drugs, except for MDMA occasionally at parties.  Examination shows oral thrush and generalized lymphadenopathy.  The rest of the physical examination is normal.  When the physician recommends that the patient undergo HIV testing, he refuses.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate response to this patient?

A) I am concerned that your refusal of HIV testing places both you and your fiancée at risk.
B) I respect your decision to refuse HIV testing, but we should discuss methods for safe sex.
C) I understand your fears, but HIV is very treatable and testing is the first step.
D) I would like to understand your reservations about being tested.
E) It is your decision to decline HIV testing, but I must report this to the Department of Public Health.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free