Health Problems of the Adolescent

Question 1

List some common health problems of adolescents.

Answer 1

• epididymitis
• testicular torsion
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• anorexia
• bulimia nervosa

Question 2

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

Answer 2

• Infection of upper genital tract
• Untreated STI migrates upward to ovaries and fallopian tubes (Salpingitis)
• Inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of the fallopian tubes-infertility

Question 3

List some symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Answer 3

lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge

Question 4

List some treatments for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

Answer 4

IV antibiotics

Question 5

What is Epididymitis?

Answer 5

Inflammation of the epididymis-a narrow-coiled tube connecting rear of the testicle. It carries and stores sperm that is created in the testes.

Question 6

What causes Epididymitis?

Answer 6

Infection (sexually transmitted infections-gonorrhea, chlamydia)

Question 7

What are some manifestations of Epididymitis?

Answer 7

Pain, redness, swelling scrotal area
(unilateral-one side)

Question 8

What are some treatments for Epididymitis?

Answer 8

• Pain relieved with lifting of testicles
• Test for STI
• Analgesics, antibiotics, and supportive brief

Question 9

What is Testicular Torsion?

Answer 9

Twisting of the spermatic cord that results in partial or complete venous occlusion and rotation of testicle.

Question 10

What causes Testicular Torsion?

Answer 10

With and without trauma, Spermatic cord anatomical defect

Question 11

What are some manifestations of Testicular Torsion?

Answer 11

• Sudden, severe scrotal pain (unilateral – one side)
• N/V

Question 12

How is Testicular Torsion treated?

Answer 12

• Surgical emergency to prevent necrosis and permanent ischemic damage.
• Delay in treatment may be associated with decreased fertility, or may necessitate orchiectomy.

Question 13

Describe Anorexia (AN).

Answer 13

• Anorexia (AN)-social, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and physiologic components characterized by distorted body image
  ~ Typically extremely underweight

Question 14

Describe Bulimia (BN).

Answer 14

• Bulimia (BN)- characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors.
  ~ Vomiting, laxatives, diuretics,
  ~ Typically average weight or slightly below
  ~ Diabulimia: Type 1 diabetics-reduce or stop taking insulin to lose weight

Question 15

What are some considerations for anorexia and bulimia?

Answer 15

Cardiac, interdisciplinary treatment