A 12-year-old girl who has not yet reached menarche comes to the pediatrician’s office for her annual well-child check. As the nurse is weighing and measuring her, the child says emphatically that she does not want to get her period. Which response would be most appropriate for the nurse to make to this child?

Choice A reason: Assuming fear of pregnancy may misinterpret the 12-year-old’s concerns, potentially shutting down dialogue. Asking about worries invites her to share specific fears, making this presumptive and incorrect compared to the nurse’s role in exploring the child’s feelings about menstruation openly. Choice B reason: Suggesting fear of pain narrows the conversation, missing other possible concerns like embarrassment or myths. Asking about worries allows broader exploration, making this limiting and incorrect compared to the nurse’s approach to understanding the girl’s specific fears about getting her period. Choice C reason: Dismissing the child’s fear by calling periods “good” may invalidate her feelings, discouraging openness. Asking about worries validates concerns, making this dismissive and incorrect compared to the nurse’s role in fostering a supportive dialogue about menstruation with the 12-year-old. Choice D reason: Asking what the child has heard about periods encourages her to express specific worries, facilitating education and reassurance. This aligns with pediatric nursing communication principles, making it the most appropriate response to address the 12-year-old’s concerns about menarche during the check.