A 16-year-old walks in unaccompanied by a parent and approaches the clinic nurse. The adolescent asks to be tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). How should the clinic nurse respond?

Question

A 16-year-old walks in unaccompanied by a parent and approaches the clinic nurse.  The adolescent asks to be tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).  How should the clinic nurse respond?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Mature minors" are adolescents who are age 14-18 and are deemed able to understand treatment risks. They are legally allowed to give independent consent to receive/refuse treatment for some limited conditions. Classically, these conditions include testing and treatment for STIs, family planning, drug and alcohol abuse, blood donation, and mental health care. A minor who is a parent, pregnant, or an emancipated minor can also give consent. An emancipated minor is a self-supporting adolescent under age 18 who is married, on active duty in the military, granted emancipation by the court, or not living at home. (Option A) This information could be requested if a professional relationship with assessment is established. It would be beneficial to reinforce the concept of safer sex regardless. However, that is not the essential need as STIs can be transmitted even when protection is used. (Option B) Minor children ordinarily need parental consent unless specific conditions are met. In this case, the nature of the request allows the care to be given. (Option C) STIs do not always have obvious signs/symptoms that would allow the client's needs to be determined accurately. Educational objective: Mature minors are adolescents between age 14-18 who can give independent consent for limited conditions such as STIs, family planning, drug and alcohol abuse, blood donation, and/or mental health care.

A 16-Year-Old Walks in Unaccompanied by a Parent and Approaches