When obtaining an adolescent's health history, which intervention is most important of the nurse to implement?

Rationale: A. Assess for the use of illicit drugs: While important for understanding risk behaviors, discussing sensitive topics requires the adolescent to feel comfortable and honest. Privacy is necessary before this assessment. B. Evaluate vital signs and lab findings: Vital signs and lab results provide objective health data, but obtaining them does not address the adolescent’s need for confidential communication during history taking. C. Ask the parents to leave the room: Ensuring privacy by having parents step out is essential to build trust, encourage open communication, and allow the adolescent to share sensitive information freely, including sexual activity, substance use, or mental health concerns. D. Obtain a smoking history first: Asking about smoking is relevant, but addressing this before establishing privacy may inhibit truthful disclosure and limit the effectiveness of the health history.