A 14-year-old is scheduled for surgery to treat scoliosis. The child will be hospitalized for about a week and then discharged home to recuperate for 3-4 weeks before returning to school. What is the best activity the nurse can recommend to promote age-specific growth and development during this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During adolescence, being with a peer group is part of the process of achieving individual identity, the most important developmental task at this age. An adolescent's friends have more influence than parents, teachers, or any other adults. Social relationships and activities help to provide a sense of belonging, acceptance, and approval. Having face-to-face visits and spending time with friends will help counteract feelings of isolation and loneliness during the client's recuperative period. In addition, the client is at risk for body image disturbance related to the scoliosis and surgery. The client may be particularly sensitive about body image and needs understanding and acceptance from peers. (Option A) The client can attend school functions or social activities with friends when off all pain medication and when the spine has healed sufficiently. (Option B) It is important for the client to keep up with schoolwork, but it is not a priority for recovery. (Option C) Reading teen magazines can be a diversionary activity and may help distract the client from any pain, but it is not a priority. Educational objective: Friends play a significant role in the adolescent's quest for identity and provide a source of support, belonging, and understanding. Interacting with friends during recuperation after surgery is important to help counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation.

A 14-Year-Old Is Scheduled for Surgery to Treat Scoliosis