A young woman experienced signs of secondary sexual development (puberty) beginning at age 12. She is now approaching her 17th birthday but has not yet begun menstruating. What is the clinic nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Given the young woman's delayed menarche despite signs of secondary sexual development, further assessment is warranted to rule out any underlying medical conditions affecting her menstrual cycle. This approach ensures appropriate evaluation and potential intervention if necessary.
A: Incorrect. While reassuring, it overlooks the need for a thorough assessment in this scenario.
B: Incorrect. Prematurely alarming the individual about future fertility issues without proper evaluation is unwarranted.
D: Incorrect. While some young women may be "late bloomers," it is essential to verify this through a professional assessment to rule out any underlying issues.