Chapter 35: The Adolescent and Family Perry: Maternal Child Nursing Care

7. Which aspect of cognition develops during adolescence? a. Capability to use a future time perspective. b. Ability to place things in a sensible and logical order. c. Ability to see things from the point of view of another. d. Progress from making judgments based on what they see to making judgments based on what they reason.

ANS: A Adolescents are no longer restricted to the real and actual. They are also concerned with the possible; they think beyond the present. During concrete operations (between ages 7 and 11 years), children exhibit the ability to place things in a sensible and logical order, the ability to see things from another's point of view, and the ability to make judgments based on what they reason rather than just what they see.

6. According to Piaget, the adolescent is in the fourth stage of cognitive development with a focus on what area? a. Formal operations b. Concrete operations c. Conventional thought d. Postconventional thought

ANS: A Cognitive thinking culminates with capacity for abstract thinking. This stage, the period of formal operations, is Piaget's fourth and last stage. The concrete operations stage usually develops between ages 7 and 11 years. Conventional and postconventional thought refer to Kohlberg's stages of moral development.

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

ANS: A Firearms are the most commonly used instruments in completed suicides among both males and females. For adolescent boys, firearms are followed by hanging and overdose. For adolescent females, 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.

27. A young adolescent tells the nurse, "I feel gawky." The nurse should explain that this occurs in adolescents because of what physiological event? a. Growth of the extremities and neck precedes growth in other areas. b. Growth is in the trunk and chest. c. The hip and chest breadth increases. d. The growth spurt occurs earlier in girls.

ANS: A Growth in length of the extremities and neck precedes growth in other areas, and, because these parts are the first to reach adult length, the hands and feet appear larger than normal during adolescence. Increases in hip and chest breadth take place in a few months, followed several months later by an increase in shoulder width. These changes are followed by increases in length of the trunk and depth of the chest. This sequence of changes is responsible for the characteristic long-legged, gawky appearance of early adolescent children. The growth spurt occurs earlier in girls than in boys but this does not address the child's concern.

10. Matt, aged 14 years, seems to be always eating, although his weight is appropriate for his height. What is the best explanation for this situation? a. This is normal because of increase in body mass. b. This is abnormal and suggestive of future obesity. c. His caloric intake would have to be excessive. d. He is substituting food for unfilled needs.

ANS: A In adolescence, nutritional needs are closely related to the increase in body mass. The peak requirements occur in the years of maximal growth. The caloric and protein requirements are higher than at almost any other time of life. This describes the expected eating pattern for young adolescents as long as weight and height are appropriate; obesity and substitution of food for unfilled needs are not concerns.

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

ANS: A 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 than of those who make attempts or threats. Level of stress, degree of depression, and desire to punish others are contributing factors in suicide, but they are not the most significant factor in distinguishing those who complete suicide from those who attempt suicide.

26. What is the first sign of pubertal change seen with boys? a. Testicular enlargement b. Facial hair c. Scrotal enlargement d. Voice deepens

ANS: A The first sign of pubertal changes in boys is testicular enlargement in response to testosterone secretion, which usually occurs in Tanner stage 2. Slight pubic hair is present and the smooth skin texture of the scrotum is somewhat altered. As testosterone secretion increases, the penis, testes, and scrotum enlarge. During Tanner stages 4 and 5, rising levels of testosterone cause the voice to deepen and facial hair appears at the corners of the upper lip and chin.

14. A 14-year-old boy and his parents are concerned about bilateral breast enlargement. The nurse's discussion of their concerns should be based on what understanding? a. This is usually a benign and temporary condition. b. This is usually caused by Klinefelter's syndrome. c. Administration of estrogen effectively reduces gynecomastia. d. Administration of testosterone effectively reduces gynecomastia.

ANS: A The male breast responds to hormonal changes. Some degree of bilateral or unilateral breast enlargement occurs frequently in boys during puberty. Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects male physical and cognitive development. This is not a manifestation of Klinefelter's syndrome. Administration of estrogen or testosterone will have no effect on the reduction of breast tissue and may aggravate the condition.

18. The nurse is caring for an adolescent diagnosed with acute cocaine toxicity. Initial data collection should include what focus? a. Mode of administration. b. Actual content of the drug. c. Function the drug plays in the adolescent's life. d. Adolescent's level of interest in rehabilitation.

ANS: A When the drug is questionable or unknown, every effort must be made to determine the type, amount of drug taken, the mode and time of administration, and factors relating to the onset of presenting symptoms. Because the actual content of most street drugs is highly questionable, this information would be difficult to obtain. It is helpful to know the pattern of use but not essential during this emergency. This is an inappropriate time for an evaluation about the level of interest in rehabilitation.

33. A school nurse is conducting a class with adolescents on suicide. Which true statement about suicide should the nurse include in the teaching session? a. A sense of hopelessness and despair are 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 of risk 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 suffer low self-esteem, self-loathing, depression, and hopelessness as a result of a lack of acceptance from their family or community. At-risk teenagers include those who are depressed, have poor problem-solving skills, or use drugs and alcohol. History of previous suicide attempt is a serious indicator for possible suicide completion in the future.

22. Which statement is the most appropriate advice to give parents of a 16 year old who is rebellious? a. "You need to be stricter so that your teen stops trying to test the limits." b. "You need to collaborate with your child and set limits that are perceived as being reasonable." c. "Increasing your teen's involvement with peers will improve his/her self-esteem." d. "Allow your teenager to choose the type of discipline that is used in your home."

ANS: B Allowing teenagers to choose between realistic options and offering consistent and structured discipline typically enhances cooperation and decreases rebelliousness. Structure helps adolescents to feel more secure and assists them in the decision-making process. Setting stricter limits typically does not decrease rebelliousness or decrease testing of parental limits. Increasing peer involvement does not typically increase self-esteem.

32. Which statement is most descriptive of central nervous system stimulants? a. They produce strong physical dependence. b. They can result in strong psychologic dependence. c. Withdrawal symptoms are life threatening. d. Acute intoxication can lead to coma.

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

20. Which behavior suggests appropriate psychosocial development in the adolescent? a. The adolescent seeks validation for socially acceptable behavior from older adults. b. The adolescent is self-absorbed and self-centered and has sudden mood swings. c. Adolescents move from peers and enjoy spending time with family members. d. Conformity with the peer group increases in late adolescence.

ANS: B During adolescence, energy is focused within. Adolescents concentrate on themselves in an effort to determine who they are or who they will be. Adolescents are likely to be impulsive and impatient. Parents often describe their teenager as being "self-centered" or "lazy." The peer group validates acceptable behavior during adolescence. Adolescents move from family and enjoy spending time with peers. Adolescents also spend time alone; they need this time to think and concentrate on themselves. Conformity becomes less important in late adolescence.

11. Which predisposes the adolescent to feel an increased need for sleep? a. An inadequate diet b. Rapid physical growth c. Decreased activity that contributes to a feeling of fatigue d. The lack of ambition typical of this age-group

ANS: B During growth spurts, the need for sleep is increased. Rapid physical growth, the tendency toward overexertion, and the overall increased activity of this age contribute to fatigue. None of the other options have the same or greater influence of sleep needs as so physical growth.

13. The nurse is completing a health history with a 16-year-old male. He informs the nurse that he has started using smokeless tobacco after he plays baseball. Which information regarding smokeless tobacco would be most correct for the nurse to provide to this teen? a. This form of nicotine is not addicting. b. It has been proven to be carcinogenic. c. It is a much easy habit to stop. d. It is a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.

ANS: B Smokeless tobacco is a popular substitute for cigarettes and poses serious health hazards to children and adolescents. Smokeless tobacco is associated with cancer of the mouth and jaw. Smokeless tobacco is just as addictive as cigarettes. Although teens believe that it is easy to stop using smokeless tobacco, this is not the case. A popular belief is that smokeless tobacco is a safe alternative to cigarettes; this has been proven incorrect. Half of all teens who use smokeless tobacco agree that it poses significant health risks.

25. A 17 year old tells the nurse that he/she is not having sex because it would make his/her parents very angry. This response indicates that the adolescent has a developmental lag in which area? a. Cognitive development b. Moral development c. Psychosocial development d. Psychosexual development

ANS: B The appropriate moral development for a 17 year old would include evidence that the teenager has internalized a value system and does not depend on parents to determine right and wrong behaviors. Adolescents who remain concrete thinkers may never advance beyond conformity to please others and avoid punishment. Cognitive development is related to moral development, but it is not the pivotal point in determining right and wrong behaviors. Identity formation is the psychosocial development task. Energy is focused within the adolescent, who exhibits behavior that is self-absorbed and egocentric. Although a task during adolescence is the development of a sexual identity, the teenager's dependence on the parents' sanctioning of right or wrong behavior is more appropriately related to moral development.

2. The mean age of menarche in the United States is: a. 11.5 years. b. 12.5 years. c. 13.5 years. d. 14 years.

ANS: B The average age of menarche is 12 years and 4 months in North American girls, with a normal range of 10.5 to 15 years.

5. According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial task of adolescence? a. Intimacy b. Identity c. Initiative d. Independence

ANS: B Traditional psychosocial theory holds that the developmental crises of adolescence lead to the formation of a sense of identity. Intimacy is the developmental stage for early adulthood. Initiative is the developmental stage for early childhood. Independence is not one of Erikson's developmental stages.

29. A nurse is caring for an adolescent hospitalized for cellulitis. The nurse notes that the adolescent experiences many "mood swings" throughout the day. The nurse interprets this behavior as: a. requiring a referral to a mental health counselor. b. requiring some further laboratory testing. c. normal behavior. d. related to feelings of depression.

ANS: C Adolescents vacillate in their emotional states between considerable maturity and child-like behavior. One minute they are exuberant and enthusiastic; the next minute they are depressed and withdrawn. Because of these mood swings, adolescents are frequently labeled as unstable, inconsistent, and unpredictable, but the behavior is normal. The behavior would not require a referral to a mental health counselor or further laboratory testing. The mood swings do not indicate depression.

28. Which hormone is responsible for the growth of beard, mustache, and body hair in the males? a. Estrogen b. Pituitary hormone c. Androgen d. Progesterone

ANS: C Beard, mustache, and body hair on the chest, upward along the linea alba, and sometimes on other areas (e.g., back and shoulders) appears in males and is androgen dependent. Estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries in the female and do not contribute to body hair appearance in the male. The pituitary hormone does not have any relationship to body hair appearance in the male.

21. The parents of a 15-year-old girl are concerned that their adolescent spends too much time looking in the mirror. Which statement is the most appropriate for the nurse to make? a. "Your teenager needs clearer and stricter limits about her behavior." b. "Your teenager needs more responsibility at home." c. "During adolescence this behavior is not unusual." d. "The behavior is abnormal and needs further investigation."

ANS: C Egocentric and narcissistic behavior is normal during this period of development. The teenager is seeking a personal identity. Stricter limits are not an appropriate response for a behavior that is part of normal development. More responsibility at home is not an appropriate response for this situation. The behavior is normal and needs no further investigation.

30. Young people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are often described as possessing what personal characteristic? a. Independent b. Disruptive c. Conforming d. Low achieving

ANS: C Individuals with anorexia nervosa are described as perfectionist, academically high achievers, conforming, and conscientious. Independent, disruptive, and low achieving are not part of the behavioral characteristics of anorexia nervosa.

23. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate to a 15 year old whose friend has mentioned suicide? a. "Tell your friend to come to the clinic immediately." b. "You need to gather details about your friend's suicide plan." c. "Your friend's threat needs to be taken seriously and immediate help for your friend is important." d. "If your friend mentions suicide a second time, you will want to get your friend some help."

ANS: C Suicide is the third most common cause of death among American adolescents. A suicide threat from an adolescent serves as a dramatic message to others and should be taken seriously. Adolescents at risk should be targeted for supportive guidance and counseling before a crisis occurs. Instructing a 15 year old to tell a friend to come to the clinic immediately provides the teen with limited information and does not address the concern. It is important to determine whether a person threatening suicide has a plan of action; however, the best information for the 15 year old to have is that all threats of suicide should be taken seriously and immediate help is important. Taking time to gather details or waiting until the teen discusses it a second time may be too late.

19. Which statement best describes Tanner staging? a. Predictable stages of puberty that are based on chronologic age. b. Staging of puberty based on the initiation of menarche and nocturnal emissions. c. Predictable stages of puberty that are based on primary and secondary sexual characteristics. d. Staging of puberty based on the initiation of primary sexual characteristics.

ANS: C Tanner sexual-maturing ratings are based on the development of stages of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Tanner stages are not based on chronologic age. The age at which an adolescent enters puberty is variable. The puberty stage in girls begins with breast development. The puberty stage in boys begins with genital enlargement. Primary sexual characteristics are not the sole basis of Tanner staging.

8. The parents of a 14 year old express concerns about the number of hours their child spends with friends. The nurse explains that peer relationships become more important during adolescence because: a. adolescents dislike their parents. b. adolescents no longer need parental control. c. they provide adolescents with a feeling of belonging. d. they promote a sense of individuality in adolescents.

ANS: C The peer group serves as a strong support to teenagers, providing them with a sense of belonging and strength and power. During adolescence, the parent-child relationship changes from one of protection-dependency to one of mutual affection and quality. Parents continue to play an important role in personal and health-related decisions. The peer group forms the transitional world between dependence and autonomy.

3. By what age should concerns about pubertal delay be considered in boys? a. 12 to 12.5 years b. 12.5 to 13 years c. 13 to 13.5 years d. 13.5 to 14 years

ANS: D Concerns about pubertal delay should be considered for boys who exhibit no enlargement of the testes or scrotal changes by 13.5 to 14 years of age. Ages younger than 13.5 years are too young for initial concern.

1. In girls, what is the initial indication of puberty? a. Menarche b. Growth spurt c. Growth of pubic hair d. Breast development

ANS: D In most girls, the initial indication of puberty is the appearance of breast buds, an event known as the larche. The usual sequence of secondary sexual characteristic development in girls is breast changes, rapid increase in height and weight, growth of pubic hair, appearance of axillary hair, menstruation, and abrupt deceleration of linear growth.

17. Which statement is most descriptive of bulimia during adolescence? a. Strong sense of control over eating behavior b. Feelings of elation after the binge-purge cycle c. Profound lack of awareness that the eating pattern is abnormal d. Weight that can be normal, slightly above normal, or below normal

ANS: D Individuals with bulimia are of normal weight or more commonly slightly above normal weight. Those who also restrict their intake can become severely underweight. Behavior related to this eating disorder is secretive, frenzied, and out of control. These cycles are followed by self-deprecating thoughts and a depressed mood. These young women are keenly aware that this eating pattern is abnormal.

24. When planning care for adolescents, the nurse should consider which intervention? a. Teach parents first, and they, in turn, will teach the teenager. b. Provide information for their long-term health needs because teenagers respond best to long-range planning. c. Maintain the parents' role by providing explanations for treatment and procedures to the parents only. d. Give information privately to adolescents about how they can manage the specific problems that they identify.

ANS: D Problems that teenagers identify and are interested in are typically the problems that they are the most willing to address. Confidentiality is important to adolescents. Adolescents prefer to confer privately (without parents) with the nurse and health care provider. Teenagers are socially and cognitively at the developmental stage where the health care provider can teach them. The nurse must keep in mind that teenagers are more interested in immediate health care needs than in long-term needs.

31. Which symptoms should the nurse expect to observe during the physical assessment of an adolescent girl with severe weight loss and disrupted metabolism associated with anorexia nervosa? a. Dysmenorrhea and oliguria b. Tachycardia and tachypnea c. Heat intolerance and increased blood pressure d. Lowered body temperature and brittle nails

ANS: D Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include lower body temperature, severe weight loss, decreased blood pressure, dry skin, brittle nails, altered metabolic activity, and presence of lanugo hair. Amenorrhea, rather than dysmenorrhea, and cold intolerance are manifestations of anorexia nervosa. Bradycardia, rather than tachycardia, may be present.

4. A 14 years old, mentions that he now has to use deodorant but never had to before. The nurse's response should be based on what knowledge? a. Eccrine sweat glands in the axillae become fully functional during puberty. b. Sebaceous glands become extremely active during puberty. c. New deposits of fatty tissue insulate the body and cause increased sweat production. d. Apocrine sweat glands reach secretory capacity during puberty.

ANS: D The apocrine sweat glands, nonfunctional in children, reach secretory capacity during puberty. They secrete a thick substance as a result of emotional stimulation that, when acted on by surface bacteria, becomes highly odoriferous. They are limited in distribution and grow in conjunction with hair follicles in the axillae, genital and anal areas, and other areas. Eccrine sweat glands are present almost everywhere on the skin and become fully functional and respond to emotional and thermal stimulation. Sebaceous glands become extremely active at this time, especially those on the genitals and the "flush" areas of the body, such as face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. This increased activity is important in the development of acne. New deposits of fatty tissue insulate the body and cause increased sweat production, but this is not the etiology of apocrine sweat gland activity.

15. How may anorexia nervosa best be described? a. Occurring most frequently in adolescent males. b. Occurring most frequently in adolescents from lower socioeconomic groups. c. Resulting from a posterior pituitary disorder. d. Resulting in severe weight loss in the absence of obvious physical causes.

ANS: D The etiology of anorexia remains unclear, but a distinct psychologic component is present. The diagnosis is based primarily on psychologic and behavioral criteria. Anorexia nervosa is observed more commonly in adolescent girls and young women. It does not occur most frequently in adolescents from a lower socioeconomic group. In reality, anorexic adolescents are often from families of means who have high parental expectations for achievement. Anorexia is a psychiatric disorder.

12. What is the most common cause of death in the adolescent age-group? a. Drownings b. Firearms c. Drug overdoses d. Motor vehicles

ANS: D The leading cause of all adolescent deaths in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. Drownings, firearms, and drug overdoses are major concerns in adolescence but do not cause the majority of deaths.

9. An adolescent boy tells the nurse that he has recently had homosexual feelings. The nurse's response should be based on what knowledge? a. This indicates that the adolescent is homosexual. b. This indicates that the adolescent will become homosexual as an adult. c. The adolescent should be referred for psychotherapy. d. The adolescent should be encouraged to share his feelings and experiences.

ANS: D These adolescents are at increased risk for health-damaging behaviors, not because of the sexual behavior itself, but because of society's reaction to the behavior. The nurse's first priority is to give the young man permission to discuss his feelings about this topic, knowing that the nurse will maintain confidentially, appreciate his feelings, and remain sensitive to his need to talk it. In recent studies among self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents, many of the adolescents report changing their self-labels one or more times during their adolescence.

16. The weight loss of anorexia nervosa is often triggered by what event? a. Sexual abuse b. School failure c. Independence from family d. Traumatic interpersonal conflict

ANS: D Weight loss may be triggered by a typical adolescent crisis such as the onset of menstruation or a traumatic interpersonal incident; situations of severe family stress such as parental separation or divorce; or circumstances in which the young person lacks personal control, such as being teased, changing schools, or entering college. There may in fact be a history of sexual abuse; however, this is not the trigger. These adolescents are often overachievers who are successful in school, not failures in school. The adolescent is most often enmeshed with his or her family.