Question

Teresa is a 15-year-old girl who is being seen by her physician today at the request of her parents, Bob and Peggy. They have brought Teresa in today because of some concerning changes in Teresa’s behavior and appearance recently. They explain that up to about a year ago Teresa was a typical teenage girl who was a good student in school. Since then, she has been running with a new group of friends who wear dark or black clothing and dye their hair black. Teresa has followed this trend and has recently shown up with several new body piercings and has asked her parents for permission to get a tattoo. Her parents have refused but are afraid that she will do this without their permission. Teresa is listening to loud violent music and spending less time at home with the family. When she is home she often fights with her parents over the rules of the house. They are afraid Teresa has become sexually active. (Learning Objectives 3, 4, and 6) A. What can the nurse tell Bob and Peggy about the influence of Teresa’s peer group?

B. What can the nurse teach Bob and Peggy regarding dating and sexuality for adolescence?

C. What can the nurse teach Bob and Peggy regarding the occurrence of violence in adolescence?

Answer 1

A. Teresa is in teenage and in teenage children generally tend to do activities which their friends do, they want to be in the group. So instead of being a strict Parents, they can be friendly with the kids so that kids discuss their feelings and perceptions with them and guiding them become easy.

B. During adolescence, because of hormonal changes occurring in body, children they get curious and experimental about themselves and about the opposite gender and hence develop such behaviour. So parents must guide them in a frank manner, keep a check on their activities and friends. Don't be harsh to them else they will start avoiding you. Some role play, movies may be used to teach them the right things.

C. Again, it's because of hormones and because of role confusion. They feel that they are mature enough to handle many situations. But when they face rejected from parents or family, they become violent. So give reasons for the things you refuse them, teach them that failures are part of life, don't give much pressure of studies, or any competition