Ch. 7: Growth and Development of the Adolescent

A male nurse is meeting with a group of 12-year-old boys to discuss expected bodily changes. After one of the boy's says, "My older brother told me my bed might be wet and that means I had a wet dream. Is that true?" What is the best response from the nurse?

"Having wet dreams indicates that your body is going through a process of maturing."

The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 15-year-old who voice concerns with their teenager's sleep habits. They state, "Left to her own devices, I'm sure she'd stay up until 3:00 in the morning on the weekends and sleep until after lunchtime." Which should the nurse explain to the parents?

"That must be hard for you to manage. Perhaps we can explore some strategies with her to establish more predictable sleep patterns."

A 17-year-old female is meeting with the nurse for an annual well-visit and is asking the nurse questions about how to know when one is in love. The nurse should point out which factor to help decide if both individuals have reached a mutual agreement and are ready for an intimate relationship?

A sense of trust and identity

The school nurse is monitoring a male student athlete who experienced a concussion 2 weeks ago during a soccer game. The student reports having academic issues in a course in which he previously had no difficulty. Which action should the nurse's take first?

Ask the student to describe the academic issues he is having in the class

The nurse is preparing a presentation for a local health fair depicting the differences in maturity between preadolescents. Which differing factor should the nurse prioritize in the presentation?

Boys grow at a slower, steadier rate than do girls.

The nurse is working with a 12-year-old who has recently experienced family instability and abuse. When assessing this client in the context of Erikson's developmental theory, the nurse should recognize that the adolescent has a risk of which negative outcome?

Confusion about role in the world

The nurse is preparing to talk with an adolescent about contraception. During the interaction, which communication techniques will be beneficial? Select all that apply.

Face the teen during the interaction. Use open-ended questions. Let the teen know that you may not know all the answers for their questions. Ask that the teen be open and patient when you are providing information.

Marijuana use has no long-term side effects.

False

The nurse is meeting with a group of caregivers of adolescents. Which example should the nurse point out is most effective for the caregiver to support the adolescent?

Let them choose their hairstyle, even though it may not look the best for them.

The nurse is providing a class for a group of girls. When discussing the changes surrounding puberty, what information should be included? Select all that apply.

Most girls begin menstruation between ages 12 and 13. Thelarche occurs as early as age 9 years.

What exercise recommendation should nurses give to adolescents?

Participate in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.

The nurse is assisting a 15-year-old who has been diagnosed with anemia in making menu selections. Which selections for the upcoming day's meals indicate an understanding of what foods are high in iron? Select all that apply.

Peanut butter sandwich Liver Kale

The nurse is talking with a 17-year-old about recent problems at school. It is important that the nurse is aware that who likely has the greatest influence on decisions they will make?

Self

The nurse is caring for an adolescent who braggingly states smoking cigarettes. Though not always effective, the nurse correctly instructs the adolescent on which topics? Select all that apply.

Smoking damages the respiratory system. Smokeless tobacco damages gums and teeth. Teens who smoke are more likely to use alcohol and drugs. Smoking is associated with fighting and unprotected sex. Tobacco use is addicting (nicotine).

True adolescence is said to begin when what occurs?

Sperm is produced in the male.

During a complete physical assessment of a preteen boy, the nurse correctly recognizes which finding as being the first change of puberty?

Testicular enlargement

The mother of a 14-year-old girl voices concerns that her daughter is likely to be not getting enough nutrients. How many calories should be ingested by the teen daily?

The teen girl who is active should consume about 2000 calories per day.

The father of a 15-year-old daughter is concerned she is not getting adequate nutrition to play high school basketball. Her games are on Friday nights. Which suggestion should the nurse point out will best suit the needs of this adolescent?

Three daily meals that include choices from each of the food groups; Friday's lunch eaten around 2 p.m. with a small amount of fat and a somewhat larger than usual portion of complex carbohydrates.

The school nurse has just completed a presentation about normal adolescent physical growth to a group of adolescent students. Which comments by the adolescents indicate understanding of the nurse's presentation? Select all that apply.

(all answers are correct) "It's strange how girls start getting taller before boys start getting taller." "Since I'm a 15-year-old guy, I still have a chance to get taller over the next couple of years." "Since I just had my first period and I am 14 years old, I probably haven't reached by peak height yet." "It doesn't seem fair that girls typically have more fat than boys." "Our hormones are sure going to cause us to change a lot over our teenage years."

The nurse is meeting with a group of adolescent athletes to discuss their nutritional needs. The nurse should encourage the adolescents to include which foods in their diet to increase iron intake? Select all that apply.

Dried fruits Peanuts Hard-boiled eggs