An adolescent comes to the school nurse's office seeking advice ...

[xclash]

An adolescent comes to the school nurse's office seeking advice about his friends and feeling pressure to participate in activities he isn't comfortable with (i.e., drinking parties and sexual explorations). The nurse should:
 
  1. Tell the adolescent to stay away from friends like that.
  2. Be open to the concerns and provide accurate information about any questions.
  3. Encourage the adolescent to accept psychosocial counseling.
  4. Give the adolescent pamphlets on sexually transmitted diseases.

Question 2

A teenage girl spends most of her free time with friends or at school. Sharing their concerns about this behavior with the school nurse, the parents are worried about their child seeming to draw away from them. The nurse's best reply is:
 
  1. You should really keep better track of your child. It's hard to tell what kinds of trouble they may be getting into.
  2. Independence is really important for this age group. Try to be extra attentive when your child does spend time at home.
  3. Use stricter guidelines for curfew and punishment if curfew is broken.
  4. Is it possible that your child might be taking drugs?

[macagnavarro]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Giving directions may turn the student from seeking help.
Rationale 2: The nurse must present an open, accepting attitude to the adolescent's questions while encouraging the adolescent to find relationships that promote discussion of feelings, concerns, and fears.
Rationale 3: Suggesting counseling may turn the student from seeking help.
Rationale 4: Just giving written information on a particular topic will not address the complete situation the student comes seeking assistance with.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This option reflects any overly pessimistic view regarding the child's behavior.
Rationale 2: Many adolescents gradually draw away from the family and gain independence. This sometimes creates conflict within the family. The young person may appear hostile or depressed. It is not uncommon for adolescents to prefer to be with their peers, rather than their families.
Rationale 3: Parents should try not to increase controls as this may cause more rebellion in the child.
Rationale 4: Speaking with the child openly about concerns, the parents should be encouraged to provide a safe, secure home environment with enough freedom that the adolescent can appreciate.

[xclash]

Excellent

[amandanbreshears]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it