An adolescent who recently moved to a new school in a different town presents to an ambulatory care center and describes the following: "I have no friends in my new school, and I no longer want to go to college. I know I will be lonely there, too

Question

" Which of the following takes priority when speaking with the adolescent? 1. Helping the adolescent realize the value of postsecondary education
2. Promoting healthy mental health outcomes
3. Acknowledging the fact that it takes several months to make new friends at a new school due to adolescent exclusion behaviors
4. Stressing the importance of remaining in a close parent–child relationship during these stressful times

Answer 1

2
Rationale:
1. It would not be appropriate to discuss the importance of a college education at this time, since the adolescent must deal with the loss of friends and with developing new friends first.
2. The adolescent is obviously lonely with the move to the new school. The nurse should focus on appropriate coping skills, which will enhance good mental health outcomes for the child.
3. It would be more upsetting to the adolescent if the nurse made this comment.
4. The parent–child relationship should not be used as a substitute for the development of new peer relationships.