How well do you know your Kids

Observation of Parent-Adolescent

Interaction

Does the parent allow the adolescent to answer

some of the questions? Is the parent supportive of

the adolescent? How do the adolescent and the

parent respond when the health professional talks

with the adolescent alone? Does the parent seem to

respect the adolescent’s growing need for

confidentiality? Is the parent able to discuss

sensitive issues?

Physical Examination

Measure the adolescent’s height and weight, and

calculate body mass index (BMI). Plot these on the

CDC growth charts (see Appendix C and the back

pocket of this publication). Share the information

with the adolescent and family.

As part of the complete physical examination, the

following should be particularly noted:

• Sexual Maturity Rating (SMR) or Tanner stage

(see Appendix K). Evaluate if onset of puberty 

has not occurred in females by age 13 or in 

males by age 14.

• Scoliosis5 or kyphosis (screen males and 

females annually).

• Evidence of possible abuse or neglect.

• Evidence of eating disorders (e.g., extreme 

weight loss or gain, erosion of tooth enamel).

• Sports injuries, other orthopedic problems.

• Caries, developmental dental anomalies,

malocclusion, gingivitis, pathologic conditions,

or dental injuries.

• Acne and common dermatoses.

• Tattoos, piercing.

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