1DISCUSSIONS
Topic 3 DQ 1
Every two years, the U.S. conducts a Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
detailing trends of youth risk behaviors occurring over the past 10 years. The
most recent YRBS analysis describes several trends that are impacting the wellbeing of teens. Explore the link to the YRBS results provided in the topic
Resources. After reviewing the data for your state, and based on the first letter
of your first name, identify one trend and area of focus that is impacting teens:
A- D: Sexual behavior (CLAUDIA IS MY NAME)
Identify factors influencing this trend. Discuss data that validates this trend as
a concern for adolescents today. Illustrate the nurse’s role and specific actions
that the nurse can take in addressing this area of concern in adolescents.
Include specific support and informational resources the nurse can provide to
parents or teenagers (such as website or contact information).
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and
include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or
faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN
DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to
understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and
participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional
Nursing Education
2
PEER REPLAY
1- Daisy Partida
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS ) is one component of the Youth Risk
Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) that was established by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the prevalence of youth behaviors that most
influence health. According to the data YRBS, the 2021 survey data for sexual behaviors in
Oakland, California, indicated that 16.2% of youth were reported as currently sexually
active. In comparison, the corresponding national figure for the United States in 2021 was
slightly higher at 20.7%. These findings highlight regional variations in adolescent sexual
activity and contribute valuable information for targeted public health initiatives and
interventions.
The study by Howard & Wand, titled “Multiple Sex Partners’ Behaviors Among
Sexually Active U.S. Adolescent Girls,” offers an assessment of multiple sexual partners’
behavior, particularly within the framework of problem behavior theory. The findings hold
significant implications for interventions and prevention research, pinpointing adolescent
girls at high risk and identifying pertinent content for investigative intervention efforts.
Notably, over half of sexually experienced adolescent girls had one recent sexual partner,
and approximately 13% reported having at least two sexual partners, indicating a
prevalence lower than reported in past years. This suggests a shift in trends that could
inform targeted strategies for sexual health interventions among this demographic (Howard
& Wang 2004).
In addressing concerns related to sexually active behaviors among adolescents,
nurses play an important role in providing education, support, and guidance. Nurses can
engage in open communication with teenagers, offering a safe space for discussions on
sexual health, consent, and responsible behavior. Additionally, they can advocate for
comprehensive sex education programs in schools and collaborate with community
resources to ensure accessibility.
Specific actions that nurses can take include organizing educational workshops,
distributing informational pamphlets, and facilitating confidential one-on-one sessions with
adolescents. They can emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups, safe sex
practices, and the utilization of available resources. In California, nurses can direct parents
and teenagers to reputable sources such as the California Department of Public Health’s
TeenSource website https://www.teensource.org/get-care and local clinics providing
3
adolescent sexual health services. These resources offer reliable information, guidance, and
support tailored to the unique needs of California’s youth.
References:
Howard, D., & Wang, M. (2004). Multiple sexual-partner behavior among sexually active
US adolescent girls. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR, 28(1), 3–12.
2- Shaimaa Azzam
Good parental behaviors are a crucial aspect of preventing risky behaviors during adolescence. At
this age, teenagers need their parents to be understanding and reliable sources to provide good
advice that prevents them from making mistakes and actions that could have long-lasting
consequences that affect the rest of their lives. (Dittus et. al., 2023). The CDC research found that
there is a good relationship between parental monitoring and the decrease of risky behavior for
their children, such as drinking alcohol, bullying at school, unsafe sexual activities, and the
consequences of getting untreatable diseases such as HIV).
Also, parental monitoring reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts through talking and helps in finding
solutions for their kids’ problems. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023). Some
studies showed that parental monitoring for girls and older adolescents is more than for boys and
younger adolescents, especially in proving substance abuse. (Mills et al., 2021).
Nurses are essential in assessing and educating the parent about the adolescent’s normal
behavior and emotional development. They arrange open communication between the parents
and their adolescent children to determine the relationship and the parental methods they follow,
then give education depending on the evaluation outcomes. In addition, studies show that
adolescents do not seek health care help because of fear of telling their parents. Therefore, nurses
could have a role in advocating for adolescents’ rights and maintaining confidentiality with their
families and with the health care team. (Weddle and Kokotailo, 2005).
References:
Dittus, J.P. Li, J. Verlenden, V.J. Wilkins, J.N. Carman-McClanahan, N.M. Cavalier, Y. Mercado, C.M.
Welder, E.L. Roehler, R.D. Ethier, A.K. (2023, April 23). Parental Monitoring and Risk Behaviors and
Experiences Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/su/su7201a5.htm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Parental Monitoring. Adolescent and
School Health. CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/factsheets/parental_monitoring_factsheet.ht
m.
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Mills, R. Mann, J.M. Smith, L.M. and Kristjansson, L.A. (2021, November 4). Parental support and
monitoring as associated with adolescent alcohol and tobacco use by gender and age. National
Library of Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8567647.
Weddle, and Kokotailo, K.P. (2005, March). Confidentiality and Consent in Adolescent Substance
Abuse: An Update. AMA Journal of Ethics.
https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/confidentiality-and-consent-adolescentsubstance-abuse-update/2005-03.
Gilma Hernandez
Substance abuse in adolescents can take various forms, involving the misuse of
legal and illegal substances. After reviewing the data for Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance
System (YRBSS), I noted the state of Virginia did not participate in the study survey year
2023. However, I used the results from the States listed representative data for 2021 YRBS.
The data indicates a high risk of exposure to substance abuse but with a minimal percentage
different compared to the rest of the country (Why YRBS? | DASH | CDC, 2023). Before
age 13 years, adolescent reported, they had their first alcohol beverage. Additional data
among high school adolescents of excessive and underage drinking, and binge drinking or
drinking to the point of intoxication were noted on the survey report.
Regular and early initiation into marijuana use were also observed. The study
survey shows that adolescents gained drugs often in school (Why YRBS? | DASH | CDC,
2023). Adolescents started using tobacco or nicotine at age 13 years. Currently Smoking
cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products are also reported. Vaping or e-cigarettes are
on the rise among adolescent use. No report noted in taking prescription pain medication
without a doctor’s order. There is no data recorded for cocaine, inhalers, heroin,
methamphetamines, hallucinogen, and ecstasy drugs used on the survey. Adolescents
reported illegal drugs were offered, sold, or given on school property.
A factor influencing is the poor surveillance public school offered in the state of
Virginia that drugs are available within the school system. Lawmakers need to enforce drug
free environment in the school ground. Another factor associating adolescents with
substance abuse is coping with stress. It’s important to note that substance abuse can have
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serious consequences on physical and mental health, academic performance, and overall
well-being (Youth.gov, 2019). For example, the misuse of substances abuse may result in
negative peer relationships, unable to fulfill school performance, lead to motor vehicle
accidents, and create stress within the family. As a school nurse, knowing that an
adolescent is struggling with substance abuse, conducting proper screening and making
early referrals for intervention would help to prevent, treat, and support any adolescent with
substance abuse to make wiser decisions. I would refer them to Mental Health Association
of Virginia non-profit organization hot-line number 1-866-400-MHAV(6428) for screening
(Warm Line – Mental Health America of Virginia, 2017).
Reference:
Warm Line – Mental Health America of Virginia. (2017, August 16).
Why YRBS? | DASH | CDC. (2023, May 26). Www.cdc.gov.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/why-yrbs.html
Youth.gov. (2019). Substance Use/Misuse | Youth.gov. Youth.gov.
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse
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Topic 3 DQ 2
One of the primary roles of a nurse is the role of advocate. Teenagers’ needs
are best met through emotional support and advocacy. The Christian
worldview supports compassionate care as does the American Nurses
Association (ANA) Code of Ethics located in the topic Resources. Provision 1
states that “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent
dignity, worth and unique attributes of every person.” As nurses, our calling is
to support the needs and vulnerabilities of our patients, regardless of our own
personal beliefs. Teenagers today who may be questioning their sexuality and
gender identity are entitled to and deserving of our support.
You are a nurse at a School-Based Health Center where a teenager disclosed
that they are struggling with an LGBTQIA+ issue. Discuss how you would
respond to this student. Explain what research has shown about the potential
outcomes for teenagers who are not supported when in this difficult
questioning period of “who they are.” Explain how you, as a nurse can
demonstrate compassion and support of this student. Provide two resources
that you could you offer this student, either locally or online. Be specific with
the contact information for your resources.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and
include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or
faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN
DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to
understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and
participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional
Nursing Education
7
PEERS REPLAY
Tracy Nalley
As a nurse at a School-Based Health Center, my immediate response to a teenager
disclosing LGBTQIA+ struggles would be one of empathy and support. I would create a
safe space for the student to share their feelings, ensuring confidentiality and nonjudgmental listening. Research indicates that teenagers facing unsupportive environments
during their questioning period about their identity may experience increased mental
health challenges, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Sexual/gender minority (Sexual/gender minority people are also referred to as Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) youth are more likely than cisgender heterosexual
youth to exhibit such symptoms and be victimized (Colvin et al., 2019).
To demonstrate compassion and support, I would affirm the student’s feelings,
emphasizing that their identity is valid. Offering educational resources on LGBTQIA+
issues and providing access to support groups or counseling services can be instrumental.
I would encourage the student to explore local resources in Atlanta, such as the Georgia
Safe Schools Coalition (GSSC), which advocates for LGBTQIA+ youth. They can be reached
at info@georgiasafeschoolscoalition.org.
Additionally, I would recommend the Trevor Project, a national organization providing
crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQIA+ youth. The Trevor
Project’s helpline can be accessed at 1-866-488-7386, and their text service is available by
texting “START” to 678-678.
By offering these resources, both local and national, I aim to empower the teenager with
avenues for support, understanding, and connection during this crucial period of selfdiscovery.
Colvin, S., Egan, J. E., & Coulter, R. W. (2019). School climate & sexual and gender minority
adolescent mental health. Journal of youth and adolescence, 48, 1938-1951.
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https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
https://gasafeschools.org/
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