A nurse is teaching a group of adolescent females about anticipated physical changes in puberty. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Hair growth in the pubic area begins before breast development.": In females, breast development (thelarche) typically precedes pubic hair growth (pubarche). This statement is inaccurate and does not reflect the normal sequence of pubertal changes. B. "Puberty begins with a female's first menstrual cycle.": Menarche occurs later in puberty, usually around Tanner stage 3–4, and is not the initial sign of pubertal development. Puberty begins with the onset of breast development and other secondary sexual characteristics. C. "Females will stop growing by the age of 14.": Growth in females continues for several years after the onset of puberty, often until 16–18 years of age, depending on the timing of menarche and individual growth patterns. Stating age 14 is inaccurate. D. "Females begin puberty about 2 years earlier than males.": This statement is accurate. On average, females begin puberty between ages 8–13, while males typically start between ages 10–15, reflecting the earlier onset of secondary sexual characteristics in females.