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Having decided on which career they wish to pursue is more typical of late adolescence (ages 17–19), when abstract thinking, future planning, and identity formation are more developed.

Risk-taking behavior can occur in adolescence, but defying curfew is more characteristic of middle to late adolescence, when testing boundaries and autonomy becomes more pronounced.

Experimentation with substances is more common in middle or late adolescence. Bragging about risky behaviors often reflects deeper identity assertion or rebellion than what is typical in early adolescence.

Threaten a severe consequence if their child breaks any rules: Harsh threats foster fear and rebellion rather than internalized moral reasoning. This approach may lead teens to hide behavior rather than understand right from wrong.

Take their child on a trip to the local jail to show what happens when adults break the law: While intended as a deterrent, such a tactic is generally ineffective and may be perceived as manipulative. Fear-based interventions do not support meaningful moral reflection or ethical decision-making.

Require their child to sign an honor pledge never to break house rules or the law: While pledges can affirm values, forcing a teen to sign a document is superficial and unlikely to affect real behavior. Moral growth depends on internal values, not just external commitments.

While peer pressure is a well-known influence, it typically affects continued or binge drinking more than initial decision-making. A solid foundation from parents can buffer peer influence.

Cultural norms can shape general attitudes toward alcohol, but they have less immediate influence than family modeling, especially when teens are still forming their identity.

Religious teachings may discourage alcohol use, but unless these values are reinforced within the home, they may not strongly deter adolescent behavior. Internalization of religious values often depends on parental influence.

High school students should be required to participate in physical education classes: While physical education is important, Healthy People 2010 focuses on daily activity rather than school mandates. PE classes may not occur daily or provide sufficient activity levels.

Teenagers should be exercising at least 30 minutes three to five times per week: This underestimates the recommendation. Sixty minutes daily is the gold standard for optimal physical and mental health benefits in adolescence.

Adolescents should be exercising every day for at least 15 minutes: Fifteen minutes is insufficient. Brief periods of activity are better than none, but they do not meet national guidelines for cardiovascular or musculoskeletal health.

The adolescent should brush once a day and see the dentist twice per year: Brushing only once per day is inadequate for preventing plaque accumulation and tooth decay. Twice-daily brushing is the standard recommendation.

The adolescent should see the dentist once a year and brush teeth twice a day: Although brushing twice daily is correct, annual dental visits may not be sufficient for monitoring oral health or managing orthodontic and hygiene concerns.

The adolescent should floss daily, brush teeth twice a day, and see the dentist once a year: This option is nearly correct but falls short by recommending only one dental visit per year. Two visits allow for more consistent monitoring and preventive care.

Promising the client that the information will not be told to anyone due to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws is misleading. HIPAA does protect client privacy, but it allows and requires disclosure when there is concern for safety (e.g., suicidal ideation, abuse, or threats). Making a blanket promise can compromise care and violate mandatory reporting laws.

Telling the client that only the physician will be told; otherwise the information will remain confidential narrows the scope of disclosure too much. Other members of the care team (e.g., nurses, mental health professionals, social workers) may need to be involved depending on the nature of the concern. Limiting disclosure to the physician may delay appropriate intervention.

Asking the client to tell a social worker who then can follow through with the information if it is concerning deflects the responsibility may cause the adolescent to shut down or feel dismissed. The nurse should first address the client’s concern and then, if necessary, involve appropriate team members.

0.1%: This was an older standard in some states decades ago, but it is no longer the legal threshold.

1.0%: This is extremely high and unsafe, far beyond the legal limit. Driving at this level could lead to severe impairment or unconsciousness.

0.8%: The physical changes observed, such as breast development (thelarche) and pubic hair growth, indicate that the adolescent girl is in Tanner stage II or III, which is part of early to mid-puberty.

Nighttime driving is riskier for teens regardless of fatigue due to reduced visibility and increased likelihood of impaired or drowsy drivers on the road. Most states restrict nighttime driving for newly licensed teens.

Lack of experience is a risk factor, not a motivator. In fact, teens often overestimate their driving skills and may not seek enough practice on their own.

Teens are less likely to wear seat belts than older drivers. While reminders are helpful, this statement downplays the fact that consistent seatbelt use among teens is still a concern.

Avoid a straightforward approach because adolescents cannot fully process their health needs: Adolescents can process health information, especially when it's presented clearly and respectfully. Avoiding directness may come across as patronizing.

Reassure the teenager that it is unnecessary to answer all questions; however, before the examination is complete the client will need to provide all information: This can be confusing or seem coercive. It's better to explain why questions are asked and respect confidentiality while encouraging honest responses.

Because adolescents want to be treated as adults, the same cognitive information should be provided as if they were an adult: While teens want to be respected, their cognitive development is still maturing. Health information should be adapted to their developmental level, ensuring it's understandable and relevant without overwhelming them.