Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Adolescent and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Adolescent and Family related questions and content

Adolescents often do not use reasoned decision making when issues such as substance abuse and sexual behavior are involved. What is this because of?

  • A. They tend to be immature.
  • B. They do not need to use reasoned decision making.
  • C. They lack cognitive skills to use reasoned decision making.
  • D. They are dealing with issues that are stressful and emotionally laden.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the face of time pressures, personal stress, or overwhelming peer pressure, young people are more likely to abandon rational thought processes. Many of the health-related decisions adolescents confront are emotionally laden or new. Under such conditions, many people do not use their capacity for formal decision making. The majority of adolescents have cognitive skills and are capable of reasoned decision making. Stress affects their ability to process information. Reasoned decision making should be used in issues that are crucial such as substance abuse and sexual behavior.