NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers Related

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What action by the nurse is appropriate when examining a 16-year-old male teenager?

  • A. Discuss health teaching with the teenager to promote wellness.
  • B. Ask the parent to step out of the room during the history and physical examination to respect the teenager's privacy.
  • C. Use age-appropriate communication when speaking to the teenager to ensure understanding.
  • D. Provide feedback that his body is developing normally and discuss the wide variation among teenagers on the rate of growth and development.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: During the examination of a 16-year-old male teenager, it is essential to provide feedback that his body is developing normally and to discuss the wide variation among teenagers regarding growth and development. This reassures the teenager about his health status and addresses any concerns about physical development. It is important to recognize that adolescents are very conscious of their body image and often compare themselves to their peers, hence the need for such feedback. Asking the parent to step out of the room respects the teenager's privacy and promotes open communication between the nurse and the teenager. Using age-appropriate communication is crucial to ensure that the teenager understands the information provided. Asking the parent to stay in the room may not be ideal as it can inhibit open discussion, and talking to the teenager as if they were a younger child is inappropriate and may undermine their autonomy and understanding.