Assessment Description
Research the range of contemporary issues teenagers face today. In a 500-750-word paper, choose one issue (besides teen pregnancy) and discuss its effect on adolescent behavior and overall well-being. Include the following in your submission:
1. Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
2. Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
3. Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary issue you presented.
You are required to cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
GO TO DISCUSSION
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Adolescents today face a range of contemporary issues that may affect their behavior and overall well-being. As a healthcare professional, it is our responsibility to identify and address these issues through proper assessment, screening, and support. In this paper, we will discuss one of these contemporary issues, its associated external stressors, assessment strategies to screen for it, and support options for adolescents encountering external stressors.
Q: Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
A: One contemporary issue that affects adolescents today is bullying. Bullying is a repeated aggressive behavior that is intended to harm or intimidate someone. External stressors associated with bullying include social isolation, physical injuries, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicide.
Q: Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
A: Assessment of bullying can be done using various tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and observation. During an assessment for an adolescent patient, it is important to screen for bullying by asking direct questions about the presence of bullying and its characteristics. Additionally, assessing for external stressors such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem is crucial as these are common effects of bullying. Additional assessment questions that could be asked include the duration and frequency of bullying, the location and type of bullying, and the presence of any associated physical or psychological symptoms. Ethically, healthcare professionals must follow confidentiality laws and limit information sharing with parents or guardians to essential information to ensure the safety of the patient.
Q: Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary issue you presented.
A: Adolescents encountering external stressors like bullying should be provided with social support and counseling options. Specific support options for bullying include group therapy, individual counseling, and family therapy. Additionally, schools can implement anti-bullying programs and policies to prevent and address bullying behavior. Encouraging and teaching healthy social skills, promoting positive attitudes towards oneself, and emphasizing the importance of seeking help are also effective strategies to support adolescents encountering external stressors.