Adolescents, informed consent and confidentiality: a case study.

Issues related to informed consent and confidentiality often arise in the emergency care setting. When the patient is an adolescent further complexities are introduced, especially when the desires of the adolescent are different from those of the parent. Understanding when an adolescent can give informed consent and what the limits of confidentiality are will assist medical personnel in providing the most appropriate care. These concepts are elucidated with a specific case.