Question

A 16-year-old adolescent boy tells the school nurse that he is gay. The nurse's response should be based on what?

a. He is too young to have had enough sexual activity to determine this.
b. The nurse should feel open to discussing his or her own beliefs about homosexuality.
c. Homosexual adolescents do not have concerns that differ from those of heterosexual adolescents.
d. It is important to provide a nonthreatening environment in which he can discuss this.

Answer 1

The nurse should provide a nonthreatening environment for the student to discuss their sexual orientation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's response should be based on providing a nonthreatening environment in which the student can discuss their sexual orientation. The nurse should be supportive, empathetic, and understanding, as coming out can be a challenging and vulnerable experience for LGBTQ+ individuals.

It is important to recognize that sexual orientation is not determined by the amount of sexual activity someone has had or their age. Therefore, option a is incorrect. Moreover, the nurse should not impose or discuss their own beliefs about homosexuality, as it is important to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for the student to express their feelings.

Homosexual adolescents may have specific concerns and experiences related to their sexual orientation, such as discrimination or peer acceptance. Thus, option c is incorrect. Therefore, the nurse's response should focus on creating a supportive environment for the student to discuss their feelings and offer appropriate resources if needed.