Final answer:
A 15-year-old boy who is rapidly growing may need approximately 3200 calories a day, though this can vary based on individual activity levels and other factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse instructs a group of parents that a rapidly growing 15-year-old boy may require as many as 3200 calories a day. What can you learn from these numbers? These figures represent averages of daily caloric intake and can vary depending on individual factors such as activity level and metabolism. These numbers do not mean that all males of a certain age group will need the same calorie amount. For instance, less active individuals may require fewer calories, while those who are more active, like athletes, might need more. The average calorie needs also tend to differ between genders, with males generally requiring more calories than females after the age of 11. It's essential to understand that a 15-year-old female who runs three miles each day would need more calories than average for her age and gender.