Question

The pubescent girl exhibits many changes as a result of estrogen production. Her mother asks the nurse what secondary sexual characteristics to look for in her daughter. What is the best information for the nurse to provide to the mother about secondary sexual characteristics? Select all that apply.

a) Spinal curvature
b) Breast development
c) Pubic and axillary hair
d) Wider hip structure
e) Lower percentage of body fat tissue

Answer 1

During puberty, a pubescent girl will show several secondary sexual characteristics due to increased estrogen production, namely breast development, growth of pubic and axillary hair, and wider hips. Spinal curvature and body fat percentage change are not indicative of estrogen's effect on secondary sexual characteristics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Pubescent Girls

As a girl enters puberty, the production of estrogen triggers various changes in her body known as secondary sexual characteristics. Among these changes are:

• Breast development: This is typically the first visible change, where breast tissue begins to develop and mature.
• Pubic and axillary hair: The growth of hair in these areas often follows the onset of breast development.
• Wider hip structure: Estrogen contributes to the widening hips, which is part of the body's preparation for potential future childbirth.

Educating the mother on these changes should help her understand what to expect and observe in her daughter's development during puberty. It's important to note that features such as spinal curvature and lower percentage of body fat tissue are not considered direct secondary sexual characteristics influenced by estrogen.