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Ethics & Law · single question

One week after a Bell's palsy diagnosis the patient reports feeling depressed. The most appropriate next step is to:

  1. Tell the patient they must get used to their new life
  2. Tell them to get used to it and refer to a psychiatrist
  3. Tell them it will pass little by little
  4. Reassure that it usually improves progressively AND refer to a psychiatrist for the depression
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Correct answer: D. Reassure that it usually improves progressively AND refer to a psychiatrist for the depression

  • A. Telling the patient to "get used to it" is dismissive and incorrect (most recover).
  • B. Pairing a dismissive message with referral is still inappropriate because the prognosis statement is wrong.
  • C. Reassurance alone is good but ignores the patient's reported depression.
  • D. Correct. Provide accurate reassurance (Bell's palsy generally improves) while referring the patient for professional support of the depressive symptoms.

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