Adolescents (12-18 years to 20 years)

Adolescence
- period during which the person becomes physically and psychologically mature and acquires personal identity.

Puberty
- first stage of adolescence in which sexual organs begin to grow and mature.
Girls ( 10-14 years), Boys (12-16 years)

Menarche
-Onset of menstruation.

Ejaculation
- expulsion of semen.

3 stages of adolescence
1. Early Adolescence (12-13 years)
2. Middle Adolescence (14 -16 years)
3. Late Adolescence (17-18/20 years)

A. Physical Development

Adolescent growth spurt: Boys (12 and 16) Girls (10 and 14)
Physical Growth
-Boys growth (14 years), max height on 18-19 years, some 1-2 cm in 20 years (vertebral column).
-10-18 years, male doubles his weight gaining 32kg and grows about 41cm.

Influences on Adolescence
- Heredity
- Nutrition
- Medical Care
- Illness
- Physical and Emotional Environment
- Family Size
-Culture

B. Glandular Changes
The eccrine glands and apocrine glands increase their secretions and become fully functional during puberty.

Eccrine glands – produces sweat.

Apocrine glands – develops in the axillae, in the anal and genital areas, in the external auditory canals, and around
the umbilicus and the areola of the breast, the apocrine sweat is release onto the skin in response to the emotional
stimuli only.
Sebaceous glands – secretes sebum.

C. Sexual Characteristics

Primary Sexual Characteristics

- relate to the organs necessary for reproduction, such as testes, penis, ovaries, vagina and uterus.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
- differentiate the male from the female but do not relate directly to reproduction.
a. Male
1. 1st, Appearance of pubic hair and enlargement of scrotum and testes.
2. Milestone, First ejaculation (14 years), then fertility follows.
3. Sexual maturity achieved by 18 years.

b. Females
1. 1st, Appearance of breast bud (thelarche) and appearance of hair along the labia precedes.
2. Milestone, menarche 1 ½ to 2 years after the breast bud appears.
3. Menstrual periods are irregular and may occur without ovulation.

D. Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson (Identity versus Role Confusion)

Psychosocial task – establishment of identity.
Danger – Role Confusion.
a. Inability to settle man occupational identity disturbs adolescent.
b. Sexual Identity arises.
c. Adolescents help one another through this identity crisis by forming cliques and a separate youth culture.
d. Concern about their body, appearance and physical activities.
e. Hairstyling, skin care and clothes are very important.
f. Intolerance – temporary defense against identity confusion.
g. Developing trust in self and others.
h. Development of autonomy.
i. Search for occupation role.
j. Unlimited imagination and ambition.
k. Sense of industry.

E. Sexual Identification
a. Starts from 3-4 years.
b. Sense of sexual identity
c. Clarifying one’s sexual orientation occurs during late adolescence.
d. They explore sexual images, fantasies, ideas and roles.
e. Experimenting with dress, language and social interactions help them define who they are.
f. Adult role models influences the way adolescents think and behave, helping teens to decide which
aspects of masculinity and feminity to adopt and reject.
g. Sense of independence arises as early as the age of 15.
h. Peer groups assume importance.

F. Cognitive development
a. Cognitive abilities develop.
b. People can think beyond the present and beyond the world of reality.
c. Highly imaginative and idealistic.
d. They consider things that do not exist.
e. They practice their increasing ability to think abstract and parents may misunderstand their child’s intent,
seeing the teen as arguing or being contrary, which can lead to unnecessary confusion and conflict.
f. Adolescents capacity to use and absorb knowledge is great.
Health Screening

MMDST (Metro Manila Development Screening Test)

- is utilized in pediatric patients to determine their physical and mental skills. The nurses will assist in developing
motor skills among toddlers and young patients.

PPD (Tuberculin Skin Test)

- is a test used to determine if someone has developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes
tuberculosis (TB).

Sexuality – Menstrual History

a. Age at menarche
b. Duration of menses and interval between periods.
c. Amount of flow and any recent changes

Extent of sexual activity

Contraceptive knowledge
Affect – symptoms of depression

Pelvic with pap smear (Papanicolaou test)

- is a screening test used in gynecology to detect premalignant and malignant (cancerous) processes in the
ectocervix. The test was invented by and named after the prominent Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou.

BSE (Breast Self Examination)

- screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer, involves woman herself looking at and feeling
each breast for possible lumps, distortions and swelling.

TSE (Testicular Self Examination)

- screening method used in an attempt to detect early prostate cancer. After hot bath, when the scrotum are
looser.

Health Promotion Guidelines

Health examinations
Protective measure-Key concept
- Immunizations - is the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent.
-Dental Screening - is a quick check of a child's mouth to find out if she needs a prompt exam and treatment.
- Sexual issues

Adolescent Safety-Key concept

-Motor Vehicles Safety
a. Make sure your vehicle is safe and in working order
b. Use car seats for children
c. Wear your seat belt
d. Don’t speed or drive aggressively
e. Don’t drive impaired

-Substance Abuse- also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not
considered dependent
-Emotional Disturbances - may exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts, and abnormal
mood swings.
Nutrition and Exercise-Key concept
establishing relationship that promotes discussion of feelings, concerns and fears.
 NCM 100 Lab Written Report

Health Promotion Across the Lifespan of an:

Adolescent

Prepared by:
Heron Jayson E. Bayanin
BSN 1-1

Prepared for:
Mrs. Aurora Samosa