A nurse is providing health promotion teaching to an adolescent. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Your need for sleep will increase during periods of growth." Adolescents experience rapid physical growth and hormonal changes that increase the need for sleep. They often require 8–10 hours of sleep per night to support healthy development and functioning. B. "Limit your caloric intake to avoid becoming overweight." This message can promote unhealthy dieting behaviors. Healthy eating habits and physical activity should be emphasized rather than calorie restriction during adolescence. C. "Share piercing needles only with close friends you trust." Sharing needles, regardless of trust, poses serious risks for bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Safe, sterile practices should always be used. D. "Tanning beds are much safer than lying in the sun." Tanning beds also emit harmful UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Adolescents should be taught to avoid both tanning beds and unprotected sun exposure.