2: Adolescent health Flashcards
What is adolescence?
The period of time between puberty and becoming an adult
Which ethical principles are treated differently to children and adults versus adolescents?
Confidentiality
Capacity to consent
grey areas
What is meant by transition in terms of paediatrics?
Progression from paediatric to adult care and supporting patients through that
What is the WHO definition of an adolescent?
10 - 19 years
In general, adolescence covers the ages of __ and __ and involves physical, social and psychological ___.
10 and 20 years
development
What staging system describes puberty?
Tanner staging
Which biological processes occur during adolescence?
Puberty
Growth (growth spurts)
CNS development (increase in grey matter and synaptic connections)
What does CNS development during adolescence aid with?
Decision making
What is abstract thinking?
Ability to think about things which aren’t directly in front of you
Aids in decision making, applying ideas to different situations, thinking beyond the here and now
Abstract thinking is important to giving what?
Consent
What is the different between assent and consent?
Assent is an expression of agreement by a person (usually a minor) who does not have capacity to consent
Consent is given by someone with the capacity to do so
Which mnemonic is used to assess the developmental stage of an adolescent?
STEP
Sexual maturation and growth
Thinking
Education / employment
Parental and peer relationships
What is competency?
Legal term meaning ability to do something (i.e capacity)
i.e understand explanations, benefits and risks of treatment
give consent
understand that information applies to them
retain information
make a choice without pressure or coercion
Can young people under the age of 16 consent to treatment?
In Scotland, yes, if they have capacity
In Scotland, parents (can / cannot) authorise treatment a child has refused.
cannot
