Age Specific Nursing Care Related

Review Age Specific Nursing Care related questions and content

A 14-year-old female comes into clinic for a medical certificate once a week for multiple complaints of chest pain and abdominal pain. The complaints are non-specific, and her physical examination is normal. She is quiet with poor eye contact. She states the pain is worse on school days. Her mother is concerned that her daughter is being bullied but won't talk to her. Her mother is also worried that her complaints represent an undiagnosed medical condition. The next best step in management is:

  • A. Referral to tertiary hospital to rule out organic cause
  • B. HEADSS or other psychosocial screening
  • C. Referral for counselling
  • D. Reassurance that nothing is wrong
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: HEADSS screening assesses psychosocial factors (e.g., bullying, stress) that may underlie somatic complaints, making it the best next step before referral or reassurance.