The family clinic nurse initiates conversation with a 16-year-old adolescent male who is 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 250 pounds (113.6 kg). Which of the following is the most appropriate question for the nurse to ask the adolescent regarding his weight?
A.
"Are you willing to talk about your weight gain this year?"
B.
"Do you realize your weight puts you into an obese category?"
C.
"Do you participate in any activities or exercise?"
D.
"What do you think about your weight right now?"
ANS: D
During adolescence, body weight has a dramatic effect on the development of self-image and self-esteem and can be a sensitive issue for discussion. An important strategy in discussions about weight and weight loss with adolescents is to begin the conversation with expressions of respect that are sensitive to cultural differences related to food choices and eating patterns. Regardless of whether the patient is ready to begin a weight control program, he may still benefit from talking openly about healthy eating and exercise. To open the conversation, the nurse can begin with a simple question to determine if the patient is willing to talk about the issue. The other questions may put the teen on the defensive and close communication. Answer choice 1 particularly is an example of poor communication, as it is a "yes-no" question. The teen could simply answer "no" and the nurse would have no recourse other than to end that line of discussion.
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