Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Communication and Physical Assessment of the Child and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Communication and Physical Assessment of the Child and Family related questions and content

The nurse is taking a sexual history on an adolescent girl. Which is the best way to determine whether she is sexually active?

  • A. Ask her, Are you sexually active?
  • B. Ask her, Are you having sex with anyone?
  • C. Ask her, Are you having sex with a boyfriend?
  • D. Ask both the girl and her parent if she is sexually active.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Asking the adolescent girl if she is having sex with anyone is a direct question that is well understood. The phrase sexually active is broadly defined and may not provide specific information for the nurse to provide necessary care. The word anyone is preferred to using gender-specific terms such as boyfriend or girlfriend. Using gender-neutral terms is inclusive and conveys acceptance to the adolescent. Questioning about sexual activity should occur when the adolescent is alone.