Final answer:
When taking the developmental history of an adolescent, an appropriate question is asking about their hobbies and entertainment, which is non-threatening and informative about their social life. This approach respects the adolescent's need for confidentiality while aiding the understanding of their development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Appropriate Question for Developmental History of an Adolescent
When taking the developmental history of an adolescent who is new to a pediatric practice, it is important to strike a balance between the need for privacy and the requirement for parental involvement. One appropriate question to ask could be, "What are your hobbies, or what do you do for entertainment?" This question is non-threatening and can help a health professional gauge the adolescent's social circles and leisure activities, which can provide context for their overall development. In contrast, asking directly about sexual behavior or health at the initial stage might not be ideal due to potential concerns about confidentiality and the reluctance of the adolescent to disclose such information.
Questions about patient privacy and adolescents become more complicated due to the potential for untreated infections or lack of protective information for sexual health. There is a dynamic where parents might feel entitled to know about their child's health, but adolescents often seek confidentiality, especially regarding sexual health. This can influence how a physician handles confidentiality and parental notification of health issues. While some information may need to be disclosed, a physician should work to provide a safe space for the adolescent to share sensitive information while navigating the legal and ethical considerations of parental rights and adolescent privacy.