Topic 3: Health Assessment During the Adolescent and Prenatal Periods

Research the range of contemporary issues teenagers face today. In a 500-750-word paper, choose one issue (besides teen pregnancy) and discuss its effect on adolescent behavior and overall well-being. Include the following in your submission:

1. Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
2. Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
3. Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary issue you presented.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Topic 3: Health Assessment During the Adolescent and Prenatal Periods

Topic 3 DQ 1

Adolescent pregnancy is viewed as a high-risk situation because it poses serious health risks for the mother and the baby. Describe various risk factors or precursors to adolescent pregnancy. Research community and state resources devoted in adolescent pregnancy and describe at least two of these resources. Research the teen pregnancy rates for the last 10 years for your state and community. Has this rate increased or decreased? Discuss possible reasons for an increase or decrease.

Topic 3 DQ 2

Describe two external stressors that are unique to adolescents. Discuss what risk-taking behaviors may result from the external stressors and what support or coping mechanism can be introduced.

Online social presence is more prevalent today than ever before. “Teenagers spend an extensive amount of time on social media sites and use various forms of technology with approximately 80% of teenagers having some form of social media accounts” (Messias, Kindrick, & Castro, 2014). With increased usage of technology and social media sites, teenagers are at a higher risk of being involved with cyberbullying (Grand Canyon University, 2018). Teens may team up together to bully someone over the internet because it can be done anonymously. Cyberbullying can cause immediate and long-term struggles for the victim such as depression and teen suicide (Grand Canyon University, 2018). Subgroups such as LGBTQ, girls, and youth ages 12-15 years are primary targets of harassment (Messias et al., 2014). Since teens are more focused on their social lives and relationships, they will take more risks to fit in. An example of this would be giving into peer pressure by participating in cyberbullying (Grand Canyon University, 2018). One must support a victim of cyberbullying by investigating, documenting, and reporting any suspected bullying. Most schools have strict policies and reporting processes. Additionally, one can contact social media platforms directly to report offensive behavior and content (“Prevent Cyberbullying”).

“As teenagers are adjusting to their physical bodies, they become extraordinarily self-conscious” (Grand Canyon University, 2018). The increased pressure of fitting in combined with lower self-esteem put teenagers at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. According to Mayo Clinic, girls often face more significant pressure to look attractive (“Healthy body image: Tips for guiding girls”, 2018). Talking about body image can help young women understand. For example, explaining that puberty can cause weight gain and it is a normal part of development may help her cope. Additionally, parents and teachers alike should talk about the impacts of media, discuss self-image, practice positive language, and set a good example. If the teen is still struggling with negative body image despite initial support and intervention, it may be time to consult a doctor to discuss professional counseling (“Healthy body image: Tips for guiding girls”, 2018).

References

Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Health assessment: Foundations for effective practice. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/

Healthy body image: Tips for guiding girls. (2018, September 15). Retrieved June 24, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/healthy-body-image/art-20044668

Messsias, E., Kindrick, K., & Castro, J. (2014). School bullying, cyberbullying or both: Correlates of teen suicidality in the 2011 CDC youth risk behavior survey. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 55, 1063-1068. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.02.005

Prevent Cyberbullying. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2019, from https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention/index.html. Topic 3: Health Assessment During the Adolescent and Prenatal Periods