A 14-year-old female is brought to the clinic by her mother, who is concerned that her daughter's shoulders appear uneven.

The adolescent denies pain but reports feeling self-conscious during gym class.

The nurse performs a forward bend test and notes an asymmetry in the rib cage.

The provider diagnoses idiopathic scoliosis.

The adolescent is prescribed a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) brace.

Which nursing action is most appropriate in promoting adherence to treatment and psychosocial well-being?

Choice A rationale

A possible sign of pregnancy typically refers to a cluster of symptoms or physical changes that *could* suggest pregnancy but are not definitive, such as missed menses or breast tenderness. Feeling fetal movement is more specific and falls into a more advanced category of signs.

Choice B rationale

A presumptive sign of pregnancy refers to subjective changes experienced by the woman that suggest pregnancy but could be caused by other conditions. Examples include nausea, fatigue, and amenorrhea. While fetal movement *could* be subjective, a woman feeling it is generally considered a strong indicator.

Choice C rationale

A probable sign of pregnancy refers to objective signs noted by an examiner that strongly suggest pregnancy but are still not definitive. Examples include a positive pregnancy test (detects hCG, which can be elevated in other conditions), Hegar's sign (softening of the lower uterine segment), and Chadwick's sign (bluish discoloration of the cervix).

Choice D rationale

A positive sign of pregnancy refers to objective evidence that can only be attributed to the presence of a fetus. Feeling the baby move, known as quickening when felt by the mother, is a strong indicator. However, *actual* positive signs include fetal heart tones detected by an examiner, visualization of the fetus by ultrasound, or palpation of fetal parts by an examiner. The mother feeling movement is considered a positive sign because it's highly specific to fetal presence.

Choice A rationale

Providing privacy and factual information is crucial for adolescents navigating puberty. Privacy allows for open discussion without embarrassment, and accurate information addresses concerns, corrects misinformation, and normalizes physical changes. This empowers the adolescent to understand and accept their developing body.

Choice B rationale

Telling an adolescent that body changes are not important dismisses their valid concerns during a highly sensitive developmental period. Adolescence is marked by significant physical and psychological transformations, and body image is central to self-esteem and identity formation.

Choice C rationale

Discouraging discussions about body image can lead to internalized anxiety, self-consciousness, and a lack of accurate information. Open communication about body image concerns is vital for adolescents to develop a healthy self-perception and address any potential negative body image issues.

Choice D rationale

While peer support is valuable, suggesting an adolescent speak only with peers can limit their access to accurate information and professional guidance. Peers may share misinformation or reinforce unhealthy perspectives. A balanced approach involves parental/guardian and healthcare professional involvement alongside peer support.