A 15-year-old female reports that some friends have begun having sex and she has a boyfriend but denies having sex. What should the nurse practitioner do initially?

A 15-year-old female reports that some friends have begun having sex and she has a boyfriend but denies having sex. What should the nurse practitioner do initially?

• A. Ask her for her definitions of sex
• B. Discuss the risks of sexually transmitted diseases
• C. Find out if she is considering sexual relations
• D. Give her information about contraception

Answer: (A)

Starting with how the patient defines sex is crucial because adolescents often have varying meanings for the term, and what she counts as sex will determine her actual sexual activity and associated risks. By asking her to describe her own definition, you build a nonjudgmental, trusting conversation, clarify her current behaviors, and understand her level of risk. This question also signals that you respect her perspective and are open to what she considers meaningful about sexual activity, which helps the nurse practitioner tailor subsequent counseling to her real experiences and goals. Once you know her definition and whether she is sexually active by her own standards, you can appropriately discuss relevant topics like safe practices, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception. Without clarifying her definition first, you might misinterpret her risk or miss an opportunity to provide care that truly fits her situation.

Starting with how the patient defines sex is crucial because adolescents often have varying meanings for the term, and what she counts as sex will determine her actual sexual activity and associated risks. By asking her to describe her own definition, you build a nonjudgmental, trusting conversation, clarify her current behaviors, and understand her level of risk. This question also signals that you respect her perspective and are open to what she considers meaningful about sexual activity, which helps the nurse practitioner tailor subsequent counseling to her real experiences and goals.

Once you know her definition and whether she is sexually active by her own standards, you can appropriately discuss relevant topics like safe practices, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception. Without clarifying her definition first, you might misinterpret her risk or miss an opportunity to provide care that truly fits her situation.