Question

A 16-year-old high school student is referred to a community health center by a local hotline because of the fear of contracting herpes. The teenager is upset and shares this information with the community health center nurse. What should be the nurse's initial response?

1. "Let me get a brief health history now."

2. "Try not to worry until you know if you have herpes."

3. "You sound worried; let me make arrangements to have you examined."

4. "Herpes has received too much attention in the media; let's be realistic."

Answer 1

The nurse's initial response should be to acknowledge the teenager's fear and offer support and reassurance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's initial response should be to acknowledge the teenager's fear and offer support and reassurance. Option 3, "You sound worried; let me make arrangements to have you examined," is the most appropriate response. This response validates the teenager's concerns and shows empathy towards their situation. The nurse can then proceed to gather a health history and arrange for an examination if necessary.