You are caring for 12-year-old Elizabeth who has been hospitalized for an appendectomy. Her mother tells you that she is concerned about her lack of physical development compared to her peers. As a nurse you know that adolescents are preoccupied with their bodies and develop individual images of what they think they should look like. You are also aware that adolescents define health in terms of not just absence of illness but also being able to live up to one’s physical, mental, and social potential.

·          What would you want to discuss concerning the onset of puberty with Elizabeth?

·         What psychosocial concerns may Elizabeth have in relation to her concerns about physical development?

·         How will Elizabeth’s cognitive and psychosocial development direct your teaching?