The nurse is discussing the physical changes that occur during puberty

The nurse is discussing the physical changes that occur during puberty with a group of 11- to 12-year-olds. The most therapeutic statement the nurse could make directed toward minimizing their anxiety would be:

1. “You’ll be fine. Everyone survives puberty.”
2. “Don’t worry because everyone goes through the changes.”
3. “Don’t be afraid to talk about the changes with an adult; we all know about pu-berty.”
4. “Puberty is a normal stage of development. Remember, it’s simply a part of growing up.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
School-age children generally have questions regarding the physical and emotional aspects of sex. They need accurate information from home and school about changes in their bodies and emo-tions during this period and what to expect as they move into puberty. Knowledge about normal emotional and physical changes associated with puberty will decrease anxiety as these changes begin to happen. It is of little value to tell the child that all will be fine since that tends to send a message that you are minimizing their concerns and so is a barrier to communication. Keeping the responses short and in terms the child will understand is best.