Growth and Development
What is the leading cause of injuries among adolescents?
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Appx age 11
Discuss group identity as it applies to adolescents
Adolescents become part of a group that greatly influences their behavior
Peer acceptance is very important
What Erikson stage is the school-age child in?
Industry vs. Inferiority
What is the first sign of puberty in males?
Discuss the relationship between an adolescent and the parent
Families and caregivers of adolescents experience changes and conflict that require adjustments and understanding
Challenging parents is common
What Erikson stage is the adolescent child in?
Identity vs. Role confusion
Discuss organ maturation in adolescents, specifically Neuro, Respiratory, and Cardiovascular
Neuro: myelin sheath enables faster neural processing
Respiratory: increase in diameter and length of the lungs, increasing vital capacity
Cardiovascular: size and strength of heart increases, systolic BP and pulse decrease
Discuss how abuse is changing in adolescent relationships
Male and female abusers
Control through social media
Possessiveness
What growth/development occurs in adolescence that decreases coordination?
Uneven growth of soft tissues and bones during growth spurts
Discuss the sleep trends of the adolescent
Sleep increases during periods of growth.
At what age can an adolescent consent to birth control without a caregiver?
12
What age does puberty start in females? What is the first sign of puberty?
Appx age 10, development of breast buds
Discuss risk factors for suicide in adolescents (4)
Depression or other mental illness
Mental health changes
History of previous suicide attempts
Poor school performance
Family disorganization
Substance use disorder
Gender identity issues/sexuality
Giving away possessions
Being a loner/no close friends
Changes in behavior
Incarceration
What type of anticipatory guidance can the nurse provide for the family of an adolescent to reduce the risk of injury?
Adolescents feel invincible
Wear seat-belts when in the car
No texting and driving
No swimming alone
Be aware of substance that adolescents can abuse