anatomy and physiology

Discussion Topics

Learning Objective(s)

1. A mother brings her 14-year-old daughter, Gloria, to the clinic for a checkup. The mother voices concern that her daughter hasn’t begun menstruating yet: “I was 13 years old when I got my first period.” The nurse assesses Gloria and finds breast buds and sparse pubic hair. There is no evidence of axillary hair. Gloria’s height is 4 ft 11 in, an increase of approximately a half inch since last year.

a. How should the nurse respond to this mother?

b. What information could the nurse give the mother about the onset of menstruation for her daughter?

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2. A 41-year-old woman comes to the health care facility for a routine physical examination. “I guess I’ll be going through ‘the change’ soon,” she says. “I really dread this time. I’ve heard so many horror stories about how awful you feel. Maybe I should just plan to hide in a room by myself somewhere.”

a. What areas would the nurse need to address with this client?

b. How should the nurse respond to her?

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