Approaching the Subject of Alcohol Use with Adolescent Patients
The question of alcohol consumption among adolescents is quite acute and pressing and, therefore, requires an appropriate and rational approach. Having an adolescent patient using alcohol, it is crucial to identify the core of the problem. As a rule, they try alcohol due to the following reasons: to look older, to prove their authority, or because of family or school problems.
The paramount goal of a nurse is to explain to the patients that alcohol cannot resolve their problems. However, discussing the danger of alcohol is not to merely enumerate all the things that can happen to them when they drink and try to make them afraid (Patton et al., 2013). Most likely, they already know what might happen: something was seen in the movies and on TV or something has happened during parties. It is much more effective to achieve dialogue and open communication so that the patient will comprehend the problem and feel that he can receive the required help in a friendly manner.
Rudatsikira, Muula, and Siziya (2008) state that alcohol consumption might lead to violence and unpredictable consequences including physical fighting and victimization. Speaking of the statistics provided, I consider that it is accurate as CDC is a governmental Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, there are plenty of cases when media and hospitals report about the adolescents’ inappropriate behavior under alcohol intoxication.
Application of the Neuman Systems Model to Adolescent Problems
The Neuman Systems Model can significantly contribute to the prevention of depression among adolescents. In particular, energy resources embraced by resistance lines that consist of a normal line of defense and the flexible line of defense and are to defend from different stressors. Also, the theory emphasizes that two types of stressors might occur: intrapersonal and interpersonal.
Being an open system, the adolescent is composed of the five interrelated elements including spiritual, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and physiological. According to Neuman, there are several steps to overcome and prevent stress in adolescents (Alligood & Marriner-Tomey, 2010). Thus, it is necessary to cause a reaction engaging the patient in the problem and strengthen resistance lines in the context of existing symptoms.
Application of Imogene King’s Goal Attainment Theory to Adolescent Issues
Imogene King’s Goal Attainment Theory might help to prevent depression in adolescents. The theory focuses on human being openness and readiness to communicate (Butts & Rich, 2011). Learning the core of personal, interpersonal, and social systems of a patient, it is possible to establish mutual preventative measures discussing them with the patient. Perception and transaction are the two principal issues applied in the mentioned theory (Butts & Rich, 2011). As a result, the patients would feel that they are understood by the caregiver. In its turn, it would cause a peaceful atmosphere so that the patient might relax and avoid stress in the future.
Encouraging the Patient Toward a Healthier Lifestyle
Adolescents with weight problems require a systematic approach. To provide effective treatment, it is necessary to ask an adolescent a series of unobtrusive yet significant questions (Swanson, 2011). For instance:
- Do you prefer hamburgers or vegetables for lunch?
- How many times do you eat per day?
- “Does your weight affect the way you feel about yourself?” (Solmi, Hatch, Hotopf, Treasure, & Micali, 2014, p. 313).
After the problem identification, it is crucial to encourage the patient toward a healthier lifestyle giving appropriate eating and exercising recommendations. Also, it would be beneficial to encourage adolescents’ parents to avoid unhealthy food.
References
Alligood, M. R., & Marriner-Tomey, A. (2010). Nursing theorists and their work. Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier.
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2011). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Patton, R., Deluca, P., Kaner, E., Newbury-Birch, D., Phillips, T., & Drummond, C. (2013). Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Adolescents: The How, What and Where of Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Related Harm Among Young People. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 49(2), 207-212.
Rudatsikira, E., Muula, A. S., & Siziya, S. (2008). Variables associated with physical fighting among US high-school students. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 4(1), 1-12.
Solmi, F., Hatch, S. L., Hotopf, M., Treasure, J., & Micali, N. (2014). Validation of the SCOFF questionnaire for eating disorders in a multiethnic general population sample. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 48(3), 312-316.
Swanson, S. A. (2011). Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in Adolescents. Psychiatry Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 714-723.