A school nurse is performing annual height and weight screening. ...

[frankwu]

A school nurse is performing annual height and weight screening. The nurse notes that three adolescent girls who are close friends each lost 15 pounds over the past year. Which is the priority nursing action?
 
  1. Obtaining a nutritional history for each of these adolescents
  2. Referring these adolescents to the school psychologist
  3. Calling the respective parents to discuss the eating patterns of each adolescent
  4. Speaking with the adolescents in a group to discuss the problems associated with anorexia nervosa

Question 2

Which nursing action is appropriate when providing care to an adolescent client who is accompanied to an appointment by a parent?
 
  1. Instructing the parent to stay in the waiting room with the explanation that the adolescent will provide a report after the examination
  2. Telling the parent it is against policy for a parent to accompany the adolescent to the examination room
  3. Reassuring the parent that the nurse will discuss any parental concerns or questions after the examination
  4. Allowing the parent to come into the examination room with the adolescent

[bulacsom]

Answer to Question 1

1
Explanation:
1. The school nurse must evaluate why these three friends have all lost 15 pounds in 1 year. The best way to begin this assessment is to obtain a nutritional history for each client.
2. Referring the adolescents to a school psychologist without performing a complete nursing assessment is not appropriate.
3. Speaking with the parents would not be appropriate at this time.
4. Discussing anorexia nervosa at this point is too extreme.

Answer to Question 2

3
Explanation:
1. The adolescent makes the decision about the parent's presence and whether to report the examination to the parent.
2. The adolescent decides when the parent comes into the room.
3. If one or both parents come with the adolescent, be alert that you might need to provide some private time by asking the parents to wait outside for a moment. Reassure the parents that you will talk with them about any of their concerns and questions, and provide them with an opportunity to ask questions and get information as well.
4. The adolescent chooses when the parent comes into the room.