In order to obtain the most information, which of the following is the

In order to obtain the most information, which of the following is the most appropriate question asked of a 14-year-old female who is visiting the county health center for “birth control help?”

1. “Have you told your parents that you are sexually active?”
2. “Are any of your friends participating in sexual behaviors?”
3. “What can you tell me about any of your past sexual activities?”
4. “Have you been physically protecting yourself with safe sex measures?”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The nurse can be proactive by using the interview process and open-ended questions such as this one, to identify risk factors in the adolescent. Once identified, the risk factors should lead to strategies for prevention. Inquiring what the client has told parents does not obtain the most in-formation. Asking about friends’ activities does not address the individual and does not obtain the most information about the health behaviors of the client. Asking whether the client is having safe sex may be answered with a “yes” or “no” response and therefore does not obtain the most information.