Adolescent Flashcards
Early, Middle and Late Ages
Early: 11-14 Middle: 15-17 Late: 18-21
Internal Barriers to care
– Reliance on peers or family members for health information – Past experience with health and/or social system – Sense of invincibility/vulnerability – Low self-esteem – Cultural and linguistic barriers
External Barriers to care
– Perceived lack of confidentiality and fear of parental disclosure – Poor communication and/or counseling by providers – Insensitive attitudes in regard to culture and sexuality – Provider lack of knowledge and skills in re: youth – Lack of money, insurance (or card) and transportation – Inaccessible locations and/or hours, especially after school
How to communicate with young adolescent patient
Greet the youth first, not the parent Treat each as an individual (be respectful, warm, understanding, non-judgmental, and ‘askable’) Explain need for privacy to parents and youth together (ground rules for exceptions: abuse, homicide, suicide risk) Interview and exam with parent out of the room Complement appearance/achievements; pay attention, look interested, and listen Ask if some issues discussed are confidential Transition may be more difficult with overprotective parents or guardians, or with absent or inappropriate guardians
Erikson Developmental Stage
Identity v. Role Confusion - Who am I? - Foster a positive development process
Piaget Developmental Stage
Concrete thinking to formal operational - can think abstractly - sees big picture and the future
What questions could you ask about their home life?
• Who lives in the home with you? • Do you live in a house or apartment? • Do you share a room or have your own? • Are there any new people living in your home? • How are your relationships with siblings, parents, other important relatives? • What are the rules like at home? • Ever been homeless or in shelter care? • Ever been in foster care or residential group home?
How to discuss school achievement?
• Discuss any frustrations or anxiousness about school with parents, teacher, health care professionals • Be responsible for school attendance and homework • Identify talents and interests that you want to pursue for career or personal enrichment • Begin thinking about future plans for college options, vocational training, career choices, etc.
Who is defined as a minor in New York?
Anyone under the age of 18 - some exceptions (if they are parents, pregnant, emancipated minors, married minors)
How does confidentiality work for minors?
- If a minor consents on their own, it must remain confidential - In NY: information about STI’s or abortions, must remain confidential
Consent of Pregnant Minors
Can consent to any and all prenatal care Can consent to care that might impact their pregnancy: includes treatment of infections, dental, mental health treatment, hospital services
Consent of Married minors and Parent minors
Parents- consent to care for themselves and their children Married- consent to their own care, even if now separated or divorced
What types of care can minors consent to on their own:
- Reproductive health care - Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections - Sexual assault care - Emergency care - Some substance abuse treatment - Some mental health care
What is considered reproductive health care?
- Pregnancy tests - Birth control and emergency contraception - Abortion - Pregnancy counseling, prenatal care, labor and delivery services - Post-sexual assault care
Does the HPV vaccine need a parent consent or not?
Unsettled law - check to see if under STI or vaccine category before obtaining consent - is approved for women and girls ages 9-26
Is parent consent needed for non-medical substance abuse treatment? (i.e. counseling)
Not required
Is parent consent needed for medical substance abuse treatment? (i.e. inpatient or outpatient medical treatment)
Yes, unless: - Provider cannot reasonably find the parents - Parents refuse or fail to communicate with the provider and the program director okays treatment - A physician determines the involvement of the parent / guardian would have a detrimental effect on treatment - The parent / guardian refuses to consent and a physician believes that treatment is necessary and in the child’s best interest.
What should be included in routine vital signs?
- LMP, menstrual cycle - BMI
What are the average ages of puberty?
Female: - Beast development: 9-10 - Maximal growth rate: 6-12 months before menarche Male: - Testicular development: 11