Adolescent Health

Question 1

What are the WHO age group definitions?

Answer 1

Adolescence = age 10-19
Youth = age 15-24
Young people = age 10-24

Question 2

What biological developments happen in adolescence?

Answer 2

Puberty, growth, CNS development

Question 3

What psychological developments occur during adolescence?

Answer 3

Abstract thinking, identity development, morality

Question 4

How do adolescents develop socially?

Answer 4

Developing autonomy, changing relationships with family and peers

Question 5

What tool is used to assess development in adolescents?

Answer 5

STEP = Sexual maturation and growth, Thinking, Education/Employment, Peers/Parents

Question 6

What is the GMC guidance on young people aged from 0-18 years old?

Answer 6

Have a duty to safeguard and protect young people
Need to consider patient’s parents and family but the young person comes first
Should always act in the best interests of the child

Question 7

What are some signs that a young person is competent?

Answer 7

Understands simple terms and the nature of the proposed treatment, understands the benefits and risks of non-treatment, should be able to retain information

Question 8

What is the stance of adolescents consenting to procedures on their own in Scotland?

Answer 8

A person under the age of 16 has legal capability to consent to treatment if they are deemed to be competent

Question 9

What happens if a young person refuses treatment?

Answer 9

In Scotland parents can’t authorise treatment if a competent young person has refused it
Seek legal advice if the refused treatment is in the best wishes of the young person

Question 10

When can confidentiality be broken?

Answer 10

If the safety of the patient or others are at risk without disclosure

Question 11

What is HEEADSSS used for?

Answer 11

Framework used to remind doctors of things they may want to ask a young person about

Question 12

What does HEEADSSS stand for?

Answer 12

Home = home life, relationships
Education/employment = progress at school, financial worries
Eating = weight, body image
Activities = peers, physical activity
Drugs
Sex = sexual activities, orientation, STIs
Suicidality
Safety = risk taking behaviour, criminality

Question 13

How should a sexual history be taken?

Answer 13

See patient in private environment on their own, avoid making assumptions

Question 14

What occurs if morbidity is poorly managed in adolescence?

Answer 14

It will almost always carry on into adult life

Question 15

What are some mental health issues common in adolescence?

Answer 15

Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, psychosis, pre-existing conditions, chronic fatigue, functional disorders

Question 16

What are physical conditions that may affect an adolescent?

Answer 16

Diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, IBD

Question 17

Who do you prescribe for young people?

Answer 17

Prescribe for ideal body weight in obese patients
Ask about inhalers, contraception or creams
Think about teratogenicity

Question 18

What should be remembered when giving fluids to patients aged between 0-16 years old?

Answer 18

Over a 24hr period, boys rarely need more than 2500ml and girls rarely need more than 2000ml

Question 19

What are the benefits of adolescent units?

Answer 19

Developmentally appropriate care and environment
Staff used to dealing with risk behaviours
Support health promotion and recovery
Increase independence from parents

Question 20

What are the negatives of adolescent units?

Answer 20

Mimicry of harmful behaviour
Inappropriate behaviour (i.e drugs, smoking etc)
May not want to go home as ward is comfy
Loss of experience outside of unit

Question 21

How should the transition of an adolescent from paediatrics to adult care?

Answer 21

Involve young person in planning, have appointments with all relevant health care providers, support patient before and after transition