CH 18 Health Problems of Adolescent

The nurse is caring for an adolescent brought to the hospital with acute drug toxicity. Cocaine is believed to be the drug involved. Data collection by the nurse should include what information? a. Drugs actual content b. Mode of administration c. Adolescents level of interest in rehabilitation d. Function the drug plays in the adolescents life

NS: B Cocaine is available in two forms, water soluble and nonwater soluble, and can be administered through multiple routes. For treatment purposes, it is essential to know the type of drug and route of administration. Because cocaine is a street drug, the actual content usually cannot be identified. The adolescents level of interest in rehabilitation and the function that drug plays in the adolescents life are concerns to be addressed after the initial emergency treatment is instituted.

A 13-year-old boy comes to the school nurse complaining of sudden and severe scrotal pain. He denies any trauma to the scrotum. What is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Refer him for immediate medical evaluation. b. Administer analgesics and recommend scrotal support. c. Apply an ice bag and observe for increasing pain. d. Reassure the adolescent that occasional pain is common with the changes of puberty.

ANS: A Any adolescent boy with redness, swelling, or pain in the scrotum is referred for immediate evaluation. These are signs of testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency. If the possibility of testicular torsion is eliminated, appropriate interventions include administering analgesics and recommending scrotal support. applying an ice bag and observing for increasing pain. and reassuring the adolescent that occasional pain is common with the changes of puberty.

An important distinction in understanding substance abuse is that drug misuse, abuse, and addiction are considered what? a. Voluntary behaviors based on psychosocial needs b. Problems that occur in conjunction with addiction c. Involuntary physiologic responses to the pharmacologic characteristics of drugs d. Legal use of substances for purposes other than medicinal.

ANS: A Drug misuse, abuse, and addiction are considered voluntary behaviors. Cultural norms define what is abuse and misuse. Addiction is a psychologic dependence on a substance with or without physical dependence. Physical dependence is an involuntary response to the pharmacologic characteristics of the drug such as an opiate or alcohol. Legality is not always a factor in substance abuse. Legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco can also be misused or abused and can cause addiction. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 745

What method is the most commonly used in completed suicides? a. Firearms b. Drug overdose c. Self-inflicted laceration d. Carbon monoxide poisoning

ANS: A Firearms are the most commonly used instruments in completed suicides among both males and females. For completed suicides in adolescent boys, firearms are followed by hanging and overdose. For adolescent girls, overdose and strangulation are the next most common means of completed suicide. The most common method of suicide attempt is overdose or ingestion of potentially toxic substances such as drugs. The second most common method of suicide attempt is self-inflicted laceration. Carbon monoxide poisoning is not one of the more frequent forms of suicide completion.

What is a priority goal in the postpartum care of an adolescent mother? a. Prevention of subsequent pregnancies b. Ensuring that the father of the baby cares for the child c. Returning the mother to a prepregnancy lifestyle d. Facilitating formula feeding to minimize interruptions

ANS: A Postpartum care of the adolescent is directed at preventing subsequent pregnancies and enhancing life outcomes for the teen parents and child. Health care programs should provide comprehensive contraceptive services at the same time the child is seen for appointments. Ensuring the father of the baby cares for the child is not part of the postpartum care of the mother. The adolescent mother cannot return to a prepregnancy lifestyle. She now has an infant to care for. Breastfeeding is recommended for the infant. The nurse and mother should explore the best nutrition for both the mothers needs and those of the infant. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing REF: p. 721 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning

A pregnant 15-year-old adolescent tells the nurse that she did not use any form of contraception because she was afraid her parents would find out. The nurse should recognize what? a. This is a frequent reason given by adolescents. b. This suggests a poor parentchild relationship. c. This is not a good reason to not get contraception. d. This indicates that the adolescent is unaware of her legal rights.

ANS: A This is one of the most common reasons given by teenagers for not using contraception. Although it is optimum for the parents to be involved in the health care of adolescents, some adolescents require confidential care. Privacy is important as they develop their personal identity and establish relationships. The adolescent may be concerned about parental judgment. The adolescent should discuss with the health care provider contraception that meets her needs; some of the longer acting birth control methods may be preferable. The adolescent did not tell the nurse that she was unaware that she could legally obtain contraceptive materials; she was concerned about her parents.

During a well-child visit, the nurse practitioner provides guidance about promoting healthy eating in a child who is overweight. What does the nurse advise? a. Slow down eating meals. b. Avoid between-meal snacks. c. Include low-fat foods in meals. d. Use foods that child likes as special treats.

ANS: A When a child slows down the eating process, it is easier to recognize signs of fullness. If food is consumed rapidly, this feedback is lost. Regular meals and snacks are encouraged to prevent the child from becoming too hungry and overeating. Low-fat foods are usually higher in calories than the regular versions. Nutritional labels should be checked and foods high in sugar and calories avoided. Food should not be used as a special treat or reward; this encourages the child to use food as comfort measures in response to boredom and stress.

A sexually active adolescent asks the school nurse about prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What should the nurse recommend? a. Use of condoms b. Prophylactic antibiotics c. Any type of contraception method d. Withdrawal method of contraception

ANS: A When used appropriately, condoms provide a barrier to the organisms that cause STIs. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended; they are effective only against bacteria, not viruses. Only condoms create a physical barrier that prevents contact with the organisms.

A 15-year-old girl tells the school nurse that she has not started to menstruate yet. Onset of secondary sexual characteristics was about 2 1/2 years ago. The nurse should take which action? a. Explain that this is not unusual. b. Refer the adolescent for an evaluation. c. Make an assumption that the adolescent is pregnant. d. Suggest that the adolescent stop exercising until menarche occurs.

ANS: B A referral is indicated. Menarche should follow the onset of secondary sexual development within 2 1/2 years. A careful examination is done to reveal any physical abnormalities, signs of androgen excess, and congenital defects of the genital tract. The lack of the onset of menstruation at this age is a potential indication of a physical problem. Assuming that the adolescent is pregnant is inappropriate. The nurse does not have any indication that the adolescent is sexually active. The amount of exercise should be assessed before suggesting that the adolescent stop exercising until menarche occurs.

What statement is true concerning adolescent suicide? a. A sense of hopelessness and despair is a normal part of adolescence. b. Gay and lesbian adolescents are at a particularly high risk for suicide. c. Problem-solving skills are of limited value to the suicidal adolescent. d. Previous suicide attempts are not an indication for completed suicides.

ANS: B A significant number of teenage suicides occur among homosexual youths. Gay and lesbian adolescents who live in families or communities that do not accept homosexuality are likely to experience low self-esteem, self-loathing, depression, and hopelessness. Most adolescents do not experience this stage of life as a time of despair. Depressive symptoms, acting-out behaviors, and talk of suicide need to be taken seriously. At-risk teenagers include those who are depressed, have poor problem-solving skills, or use drugs and alcohol. A history of a previous suicide attempt is a serious indicator for possible suicide completion in the future. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 751

It is important that women with anogenital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) receive adequate treatment because this sexually transmitted infection increases the risk of what? a. Gonorrhea b. Cervical cancer c. Chlamydial infection d. Urinary tract infection

ANS: B Infection with HPV is associated with cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. A vaccine has been developed and is recommended for young women. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing REF: p. 712 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation

The clinic nurse is evaluating a patient with a vaginal infection. The nurse knows that the normal vaginal pH is in which range? a. 3.0 to 4.0 b. 4.0 to 5.0 c. 5.0 to 6.0 d. 6.0 to 7.0

ANS: B Normal vaginal secretions are acidic, with a pH range of 4.0 to 5.0.

n adolescent girl is brought to the hospital emergency department by her parents after being raped. The girl is calm and controlled throughout the interview and examination. The nurse should recognize this behavior is what? a. A sign that a rape has not actually occurred b. One of a variety of behaviors normally seen in rape victims c. Indicative of a higher than usual level of maturity in the adolescent d. Suggestive that the adolescent had severe emotional problems before the rape occurred

ANS: B Rape victims display a wide range of behaviors. A controlled manner may be an attempt to maintain composure while hiding the inner turmoil. Because the observed behavior is within the range of expected behavior, there are no data to indicate that a rape has not actually occurred, that the adolescent is unusually mature, or that she had severe emotional problems before the rape occurred.

An adolescent girl tells the nurse that she is very suicidal. The nurse asks her if she has a specific plan. How should asking about a specific plan be viewed? a. Not a critical part of the assessment b. An appropriate part of the assessment c. Suggesting that adolescent needs a plan d. Encouraging adolescent to devise a plan

ANS: B Routine health assessments of adolescents should include questions that assess the presence of suicidal ideation or intent. Questions such as Have you ever developed a plan to hurt yourself or kill yourself? should be part of that assessment. Adolescents who express suicidal feelings and have a specific plan are at particular risk and require further assessment and constant monitoring. The information about having a plan is an essential part of the assessment and greatly affects the treatment plan.

What is the most significant factor in distinguishing those who commit suicide from those who make suicidal attempts or threats? a. Level of stress b. Social isolation c. Degree of depression d. Desire to punish others

ANS: B Social isolation is a significant factor in distinguishing adolescents who will kill themselves from those who will not. It is also more characteristic of those who complete suicide versus those who make attempts or threats. Although the level of stress, the degree of depression, and the desire to punish others are contributing factors in suicide, they are not the most significant factor in distinguishing those who complete suicide from those who attempt suicide. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 752

What is a major physical risk for young adolescents during pregnancy? a. Osteoporosis frequently develops. b. Fetopelvic disproportion is a common problem. c. Delivery is usually precipitous in this age group. d. Pregnancy will adversely affect the adolescents development.

ANS: B Teenagers younger than 15 years of age have increased obstetric risks. Fetopelvic disproportion is one of the most common complications. Osteoporosis occurs later in life and is not related to adolescent pregnancy. Prolonged, not precipitous, labor is common in this age group. Teenage mothers are socially, educationally, psychologically, and economically disadvantaged. Support is necessary because the tasks of motherhood are superimposed on adolescent development tasks.

What do nursing responsibilities regarding weight gain for an adolescent with anorexia nervosa include? a. Administer tube feedings until target weight is achieved. b. Restore body weight to within 10% of the adolescents ideal weight. c. Encourage continuation of strenuous exercise as long as adolescent is not losing weight. d. Facilitate as rapid a weight gain as possible with a high-calorie diet.

ANS: B The restoration of body weight to a target weight or endpoint within 10% of ideal body weight is one of the main goals of therapy. Strenuous exercise is avoided as part of the need to modify behaviors. Tube feedings are intrusive and are avoided. They should only be used when other measures have failed. Weight restoration is accomplished slowly. The goal is 1 kg/wk to avoid the risk of metabolic and cardiac problems. Slow weight gain can minimize anxiety and depression. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing REF: p. 741

hat statement is true about gonorrhea? a. It is caused by Treponema pallidum. b. Treatment of all sexual contacts is essential. c. Topical application of medication to the lesions is necessary. d. Therapeutic management includes multidose administration of penicillin.

ANS: B The treatment plan should include finding and treating all sexual partners. Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Syphilis is caused by T. pallidum. Systemic therapy is necessary to treat this disease. Primary treatment is with different antibiotics because of N. gonorrhoeaes resistance to penicillin.

What is the usual presenting symptom for testicular cancer? a. Solid, painful mass b. Hard, painless mass c. Scrotal swelling and pain d. Epididymis easily palpated

ANS: B The usual presenting symptom for testicular cancer is a heavy, hard, painless mass that is either smooth or nodular and palpated on the testes. Pain is not usually associated with a testicular tumor. Scrotal swelling needs to be evaluated. The epididymis is easily palpated in a normal scrotum. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 691

The nurse is teaching a class on obesity prevention to parents in the community. What is a contributing factor to childhood obesity? a. Birth weight b. Parental overweight c. Age at the onset of puberty d. Asian ethnic background

ANS: B There is a high correlation between parental adiposity and childhood adiposity. Obese children do not have higher birth weights than nonobese children. Early menarche is associated with obesity, but the age of puberty is not a contributing factor. African Americans and Hispanics have disproportionately high percentages of overweight individuals, but Asians do not. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 731

An adolescent patient has been diagnosed with a vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection). The nurse expects the health care provider to recommend which vaginal cream? a. Premarin b. Estradiol (Estrace) c. Miconazole (Monistat) d. Clindamycin phosphate (Cleocin)

ANS: C A number of antifungal preparations are available for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis infections. Many of these medications (e.g., miconazole [Monistat] and clotrimazole [Gyne-Lotrimin]) are available as over-the-counter (OTC) agents. Premarin and Estrace are estrogen vaginal creams and are used to treat vaginal dryness. Cleocin is an antibacterial vaginal cream used to treat bacterial vaginal infections.

The nurse has determined that an adolescents body mass index (BMI) is in the 90th percentile. What information should the nurse convey to the adolescent? a. The adolescent is overweight. b. The adolescent has maintained weight within the normal range. c. The adolescent is at risk for becoming overweight. d. Nutritional supplementation should occur at least three times per week

ANS: C Adolescents with BMIs between the 85th and 94th percentile for age and gender are at risk for becoming overweight. Adolescents with BMIs greater than the 95th percentile are classified as overweight. Nutritional guidance, not supplementation, is needed.

What statement is true about smoking in college students? a. The rate of smoking cigarettes is declining. b. Smokeless tobacco use is rising dramatically. c. Regular cigar use is becoming more common. d. Students in the health professions do not smoke.

ANS: C Approximately 8.5% of college students smoke cigars on a regular basis. Among college students, the rate of cigarette smoking is rising. At last report, 28.5% of this group smoked cigarettes. Use of smokeless tobacco is declining overall. Students in the health professions do smoke.

The school nurse suspects a testicular torsion in a young adolescent student. What action should the nurse take? a. Place a warm moist pack on the scrotal area. b. Instruct the adolescent to lie down and elevate the legs. c. Refer the adolescent for immediate medical evaluation. d. Suggest that the adolescent wear a scrotum-protecting guard.

ANS: C Because torsion may result from trauma to the scrotum, school nurses are likely to encounter such injuries and should refer the child or adolescent for medical evaluation immediately. It would not be appropriate to apply warmth, elevate the legs, or tell the adolescent to wear a scrotum-protecting guard because these actions could delay treatment.

The nurses role in facilitating successful childrearing in unmarried teenage mothers includes what? a. Facilitating marriage between the mother and father of the baby b. Teaching the adolescent the long-term needs of the growing child c. Providing information and feedback about positive parenting skills d. Encouraging the infants grandmother to take responsibility for care

ANS: C Competence in a teenage mother is increased when feedback is provided about positive parenting skills and use of community resources. The nurse can identify and refer the mother to programs such as support groups for adolescent mothers, infant stimulation programs, and parenting programs. Facilitating marriage between the mother and the father of the baby may produce additional stress and detract from their ability to care for the infant. Encouraging the infants grandmother to take responsibility for care would decrease the mothers ability to develop successful childrearing behaviors. Supportive families can provide assistance to enable the teenage mother to complete school. Many adolescents do not have a future perspective for themselves. The nurse includes information on normal infant development to aid the mother in having reasonable expectations.

A 14-year-old boy is of normal weight, and his parents are concerned about bilateral breast enlargement. The nurses discussion of this should be based on what? a. The presence of too much body fat b. Symptom that a hormonal imbalance is present c. Most likely part of normal pubertal development d. Indication that he is developing precocious puberty

ANS: C Gynecomastia is common during midpuberty in about one third of boys. For most, the breast enlargement disappears within 2 years. Although breast enlargement in overweight children can indicate too much body fat, in children of normal body weight, it is a normal occurrence. If the gynecomastia persists beyond 2 years, then a hormonal cause may need to be investigated. Precocious puberty is the early onset of puberty, before age 9 years in boys. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 69

What goal is most important when caring for a child with anorexia nervosa (AN)? a. Limit fluid intake. b. Prevent depression. c. Correct malnutrition. d. Encourage weight gain.

ANS: C In children diagnosed with AN or bulimia nervosa, the priority consideration is to correct the malnutrition. Severe malnutrition, electrolyte disturbances, vital sign abnormalities, and psychiatric disorders may be present. Careful monitoring is necessary to avoid complications. Often fluid intake is restricted by individuals with AN. Fluid balance must be restored. Preventing depression is important, but the correction of potentially life-threatening malnutrition takes precedence. After the initial malnutrition is corrected, then a plan is established for nutritional therapy. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing REF: p. 741 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation

Descriptions of young people with anorexia nervosa (AN) often include which criteria? a. Impulsive b. Extroverted c. Perfectionist d. Low achieving

ANS: C Individuals with AN are described as striving for perfection, which may manifest in other compulsive disorders. They are also academically high achievers. Impulsive and extroverted personalities are more characteristic of bulimia nervosa.

What behavior is the nurse most likely to assess in an adolescent with anorexia nervosa (AN)? a. Eats in secrecy b. Uses food as a coping mechanism c. Has a marked preoccupation with food d. Lacks awareness of how eating affects weight loss

ANS: C Individuals with AN display great interest in food. They prepare meals for others, talk about food, and hoard food. During meals, food play may occur to appear as if the person is eating. Persons with AN consume a small amount of food, so they have no need to eat in secrecy. Individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) usually binge privately. Food is not used as a coping mechanism in AN, as is common in BN. Individuals with AN know about the relationship between calorie intake and calorie expenditure. They can regulate intake and then exercise to not gain or to lose weight.

After a treatment plan for acne has been initiated, which time period should the nurse explain to an adolescent before improvement will be seen? a. 2 to 4 weeks b. 4 to 6 weeks c. 6 to 8 weeks d. 8 to 10 weeks

ANS: C Inform patients that after a treatment plan for acne has been initiated, it will take 6 to 8 weeks to appreciate improvement in their skin. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 690

hat is true about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? a. It can be prevented by proper personal hygiene. b. It is easily prevented by compliance with any form of contraception. c. It may have devastating effects on the reproductive tract of affected adolescents. d. It can potentially cause life-threatening and serious defects in the future children of affected adolescents.

ANS: C PID is a major concern because of its devastating effects on the reproductive tract. Short-term complications include abscess formation in the fallopian tubes, and long-term complications include ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and dyspareunia. PID is an infection of the upper female genital tract, most commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections. Personal hygiene, oral contraceptives, and many other forms of contraception do not prevent transmission of the disease. There is a possibility of ectopic pregnancy but not birth defects in children. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing REF: p. 710

The middle school nurse is planning a behavior modification program for overweight children. What is the most important goal for participants of the program? a. Learn how to cook low-fat meals. b. Improve relationships with peers. c. Identify and eliminate inappropriate eating habits. d. Achieve normal weight during the program.

ANS: C The goal of behavior modification in weight control is to help the participant identify abnormal eating processes. After the abnormal patterns are identified, then techniques, including problem solving, are taught to eliminate inappropriate eating. Learning how to cook low-fat meals can be a component of the program, but the focus of behavior modification is identifying target behaviors that need to be changed. Improving relationships is not the focus of weight management behavior management programs. Achieving normal weight during the program is an inappropriate goal. As the child incorporates the techniques, weight gain will slow. In childhood obesity, the goal is to stop the increase of weight gain.

What statement regarding chlamydial infections is correct? a. The treatment of choice is oral penicillin. b. The treatment of choice is nystatin or miconazole. c. Both men and women may have asymptomatic infections. d. Clinical manifestations include small, painful vesicles on the genital areas.

ANS: C The incidence of asymptomatic chlamydial infections is as high as 50% of men and 75% of women. Symptoms of chlamydial infection in men include meatal erythema, tenderness, itching, dysuria, and urethral discharge. Oral penicillin, nystatin, and miconazole are not the antibiotics of choice. Small, painful vesicles on genital areas are clinical manifestations of herpetic infections.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a commonly used topical agent for the treatment of acne. What do nursing considerations with this drug include? a. Sun exposure increases effectiveness. b. Cosmetics with lanolin and petrolatum are preferred in acne. c. Applying of the medication occurs at least 20 to 30 minutes after washing. d. Erythema and peeling are indications of toxicity and need to be reported.

ANS: C The medication should not be applied for at least 20 to 30 minutes after washing to decrease the burning sensation. The avoidance of sun and the use of sunscreen agents must be emphasized because sun exposure can result in severe sunburn. Cosmetics with lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oil, lauryl alcohol, butyl stearate, and oleic acid can increase comedone production. Erythema and peeling are common local manifestations.

The clinic nurse is evaluating an adolescent with menses that have stopped occurring. The nurse understands that which minimum amount of time should the menses be absent after a period of menstruation to be diagnosed as secondary amenorrhea? a. 3 months b. 4 months c. 5 months d. 6 months

ANS: D A 6-month or more cessation of menses after a period of menstruation is secondary amenorrhea.

The nurse is presenting an educational program to a group of parents about differences between anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) at a community outreach program. What statement by a parent would indicate a need for additional teaching? a. A child with AN will turn away from food to cope, but a child with BN turns to food to cope. b. A child with AN maintains rigid control and is introverted, but a child with BN is an extrovert and frequently loses control. c. A child with AN denies the illness, but a child with BN recognizes the illness. d. A child with AN is usually sexually active and seeks intimacy, but a child with BN avoids intimacy and is usually not sexually active.

ANS: D A child with AN is usually the one who avoids intimacy and is not sexually active, but a child BN often seeks intimacy and is sexually active. A child with AN turns away from food to cope with life, maintains rigid control, is introverted, and denies the illness. A child with BN turns to food to cope, is an extrovert who loses control, and recognizes that he or she has an illness.

During a well-child visit, the nurse plots the childs BMI on the health record. What is the purpose of the BMI? a. To determine medication dosages b. To predict adult height and weight c. To identify coping strategies used by the child d. To provide a consistent measure of obesity

ANS: D A consistent measure of the degree of obesity is important to determine whether modification of the body fat component is indicated. Body surface area (BSA), not BMI, is used for medication dosage calculation. The BMI is not a predictor of adult height. A child with a high BMI may use food as a coping mechanism, but the BMI is not correlated with coping strategy use.

Many adolescents use alcohol for self-medication. How does an adolescent view the benefit of alcohol? a. Believes it has a stimulant effect b. Believes it increases alertness c. Provides a sense of euphoria d. Provides a defense against depression

ANS: D Adolescents who abuse alcohol often rely on it as a defense against depression, anxiety, fear, and anger. Alcohol is a depressant and has a sedative effect. Alcohol does not provide a sense of euphoria. It does reduce inhibitions against aggressive behaviors.

What factor is most likely to increase the likelihood that an adolescent will misuse alcohol? a. Female gender b. Regular school attendance c. Rural environment d. Unconventional behavior

ANS: D Adolescents who are connected and engage in conventional behavior are less likely to misuse alcohol. Those who are disconnected from school, family, and other social supports have fewer assets and are more likely to abuse alcohol. School attendance is a sign of connectedness. Girls and boys report a similar onset and course of experimentation with alcohol. Urban youths have a higher likelihood of alcohol abuse than rural adolescents.

The nurse is teaching an adolescent about acne care. What statement by the adolescent indicates a need for further teaching? a. I will cleanse my face twice a day. b. I will frequently shampoo my hair. c. I will brush my hair away from my forehead. d. I will use my antibacterial soap to cleanse my face.

ANS: D Antibacterial soaps are ineffective and may be drying when used in combination with topical acne medications. Further teaching is needed if the adolescent indicates using antibacterial soap. Gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser once or twice daily is usually sufficient. For some adolescents, hygiene of the hair and scalp appears to be related to the clinical activity of acne. Acne on the forehead may improve with brushing the hair away from the forehead and more frequent shampooing.

What best describes central nervous system (CNS) stimulants? a. Acute intoxication can lead to coma. b. They produce strong physical dependence. c. Withdrawal symptoms are life threatening. d. They can result in strong psychologic dependence.

ANS: D CNS stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine produce a strong psychologic dependence. Acute intoxication leads to violent aggressive behavior or psychotic episodes characterized by paranoia, uncontrollable agitation, and restlessness. This class of drugs does not produce strong physical dependence and can be withdrawn without much danger.

An adolescent girl asks the school nurse for advice because she has dysmenorrhea. She says that a friend recommended she try an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The nurses response should be based on what? a. Hormone therapy is necessary for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. b. Acetaminophen is the drug of choice for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. c. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are rarely strong enough to provide adequate pain relief. d. NSAIDs are effective because they inhibit prostaglandins, leading to reduction in uterine activity.

ANS: D First-line therapy for adolescents with dysmenorrhea is NSAIDs. NSAIDs are potent anti-inflammatory agents that block the formation of prostaglandins, resulting in decreased uterine activity. Hormone therapy may be indicated if there is no physical abnormality and NSAIDs are ineffective. Acetaminophen does not have an antiprostaglandin action. It can help with pain control but will not be as effective as NSAIDs. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 696

What strategy is considered one of the best for preventing smoking in teenagers? a. Large-scale printed information campaigns b. Emphasis on the long-term effects of smoking on health c. Threatening the social norms of groups most likely to smoke d. Peer-led programs emphasizing the social consequences of smoking

ANS: D Peer-led programs emphasizing the social consequences of smoking have proved most successful. Short-term effects such as an unpleasant odor and stains on the teeth and hands are stressed. If a significant number of peers convince their classmates that smoking is not popular, others will follow. Large-scale printed information campaigns are not effective. A specified curriculum and teaching can increase benefit. Long-term effects do not dissuade adolescents because they do not have a future perspective. Threatening the norms of the social group is one of the least effective means of prevention. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 747

An adolescent girl calls the nurse at the clinic because she had unprotected sex the night before and does not want to be pregnant. What should the nurse explain? a. It is too late to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. b. An abortion may be the best option if she is pregnant. c. The risk of pregnancy is minimal, so no action is necessary. d. Postcoital contraception is available to prevent implantation and therefore pregnancy.

ANS: D Several emergency methods of contraception (ECP) are available and appropriate for use after unprotected sexual intercourse. A progestin-only ECP (levonorgestrel [Plan B]) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has high effectiveness and low rates of side effects. Plan B is effective if given within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. An abortion is not indicated. Although the risk of pregnancy depends on the time during her menstrual cycle, a low risk of pregnancy exists. ECP is indicated.

During the physical examination of an adolescent with significant weight loss, what finding may indicate an eating disorder? a. Diarrhea b. Amenorrhea c. Appetite suppression d. Erosion of tooth enamel

ANS: D Some of the signs of bulimia include erosion of tooth enamel and increased dental caries. Check the back of the hands for abrasions caused by rubbing against the maxillary incisors during self-induced vomiting. Diarrhea is not a result of vomiting. Rather, it may occur in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal diseases. Amenorrhea can occur with anorexia nervosa, but it can also be a result of the weight loss from other causes. It can also indicate pregnancy in adolescent females. Appetite suppression can occur from central nervous system lesions or from oncologic and metabolic disorders.