How well do you know your Kids
- By Admin
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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.
