Psychsocial and Cognitive
Adolescents are in this stage of development according to Ericson.
What is Identity vs Role Confusion
This physical change marks the adolescent growth spurt.
What is: A rapid increase in height over a relatively short period of time.
This physical change is often the first visible sign that puberty has begun in many adolescents?
What is: A rapid increase in height (growth spurt)
How much physical activity is recommended daily for adolescents?
What is: At least 60 minutes
What communication style is most effective when working with adolescents?
What is: Open-ended, respectful communication
According to Erikson, adolescents are primarily focused on answering what developmental question?
What is: “Who am I?”
This percentage of adult height is gained during adolescence?
What is 20% - 25%
Why is it important for nurses to explain that the timing of puberty varies widely among adolescents?
What is: To reduce anxiety and support healthy body image and self-esteem.
What is one priority health promotion teaching point for adolescents related to mental health?
What is: Encourage healthy coping strategies and access to support.
Why should nurses expect emotional lability during adolescence?
Hormonal changes and developmental stress
According to Piaget, adolescents begin to develop what type of thinking?
What is abstract thinking
Why is adequate protein intake especially important during adolescence?
Protein is needed for muscle, bone, and tissue development during growth spurts.
What is the typical age range for the onset of menarche in adolescents?
Around 12–13 years, with normal variation.
Why are adolescents at increased risk for developing unhealthy eating behaviors?
What is: Body image concerns, peer influence, and increased autonomy
How should the nurse modify the physical assessment approach for an adolescent compared with a young child?
What is: Provide explanations, ensure privacy, and involve the adolescent in the process.
How does formal operational thinking changes adolescent decision-making
What is: Allows planning and reasoning about future consequences
What might a sudden slowing or plateau in adolescent growth suggest to the nurse?
What is: Possible nutritional, hormonal, or health concerns.
How can early or delayed pubertal development affect an adolescent’s psychosocial well-being?
It may increase stress, self-consciousness, social difficulties, or vulnerability to peer pressure.
What is the leading cause of death among adolescents that health promotion aims to prevent?
What is: Unintentional injury, especially motor vehicle crashes.
Why should the nurse offer adolescents privacy during part of the health assessment?
What is: To promote honesty, trust, and accurate health information.
This adolescent behavior reflects difficulty resolving Erikson’s developmental task?
What is: Persistent uncertainty about “who I am,” with shifting roles, values, or peer identities.
An adolescent’s growth curve shows a plateau during expected peak growth years. What 3 priority causes should the nurse consider?
What is: Nutritional deficiency, endocrine or hormonal disorders, or chronic illness
This standardized tool is commonly used to describe and document stages of pubertal development?
What is: Tanner stages.
Why are adolescents at increased risk for experimentation with substances such as alcohol or vaping?
Ongoing brain development, peer influence, and risk-taking behavior.
How does understanding adolescent development guide nursing care during high-risk situations?
What is: It helps the nurse balance safety, autonomy, and therapeutic communication.