A nurse is assessing the growth and development of a 16-year-old adolescent. Which of the following behaviors or physical changes would the nurse expect to observe in a typical adolescent at this stage? (Select all that apply)
Full adult height and the cessation of body changes
A decrease in growth rate and an increase in body fat distribution
Heightened interest in forming intimate relationships outside the family
Increased independence and desire for privacy, with a focus on peer relationships
Development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair in males and breast development in females
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
A. Full adult height and the cessation of body changes is incorrect because while many adolescents are nearing adult height by age 16, some continue to grow, particularly males. Body changes may still be ongoing, so complete cessation of growth is not typical.
B. A decrease in growth rate and an increase in body fat distribution is correct because by mid-adolescence, the rapid growth of puberty slows, and changes in body composition occur. Females typically experience an increase in body fat, while males may see a decrease in fat with increased muscle mass.
C. Heightened interest in forming intimate relationships outside the family is correct because adolescents at this stage begin exploring romantic and sexual relationships and may form emotional attachments with peers or romantic partners.
D. Increased independence and desire for privacy, with a focus on peer relationships is correct because autonomy and identity formation are key developmental tasks of adolescence. Adolescents seek privacy, rely more on peers, and may challenge parental authority as part of normal psychosocial development.
E. Development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair in males and breast development in females is correct because most adolescents have completed or are in the later stages of puberty by age 16, with secondary sexual characteristics well established.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Limiting family involvement to scheduled visiting hours is incorrect because family-centered care promotes unrestricted or flexible family presence. Restricting involvement contradicts the idea that the family plays a continuous and central role in the child’s life.
B. Encouraging the family to follow unit routines without modification is incorrect because family-centered care values collaboration and flexibility. Care should be adapted to meet the needs of the child and family, not force the family to conform to rigid hospital routines.
C. Assuming the healthcare team is the primary source of support for the child is incorrect because, in family-centered care, the family—not the healthcare team—is recognized as the primary and constant source of support, comfort, and advocacy for the child.
D. Involving the family in care planning and decision-making for the child is correct because it acknowledges that the family is the constant in the child’s life. This approach respects the family’s knowledge of the child, promotes collaboration, and supports continuity of care across healthcare settings.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is incorrect because it requires the child to understand and mark a point on a line to represent pain intensity, which is often too complex for a 4-year-old, especially if they cannot verbalize pain reliably.
B. FLACC scale is correct. The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is an observational tool designed for children who cannot self-report pain. It assesses behavioral and physiological indicators of pain including facial expression, leg movement, activity level, crying, and consolability. Scores range from 0 to 10, allowing for objective assessment and monitoring of pain in young children, infants, or nonverbal patients.
C. Faces Pain Scale is incorrect because it relies on the child’s ability to understand and point to a facial expression that represents their pain. While appropriate for some preschoolers, a 4-year-old who cannot reliably verbalize or comprehend the scale may not use it accurately.
D. Numeric Rating Scale is incorrect because it requires the child to assign a number (0–10) to describe pain, which is generally suitable for children aged 7 and older who can understand abstract numerical concepts.
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