Adolescent preventive health care — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 — Confidential preventive visit (10 marks)

A 15-year-old attends with their mother for a “school medical.” The mother answers every question. Growth and BP are normal. ^{[3] [2]}

Questions

1. Explain why time alone and a confidentiality statement are required, and give a conditional confidentiality script. (4 marks) ^{[2] [4]}
2. List the classic HEADSS domains and one example question for each. (3 marks) ^[1]
3. State three preventive tasks beyond HEADSS that belong in this visit. (3 marks) ^{[5] [6] [7]}

Model answer

Time alone and confidentiality (4). Parent presence suppresses disclosure of sexual activity, substance use and mental-health concerns. Time alone is standard developmental care. Conditional script: private unless serious risk of harm to self/others, abuse, or legal duty to act; explain that you will try to plan any override with the young person. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

HEADSS (3). Home; Education; Activities; Drugs; Sexuality; Suicide/depression (safety throughout). One example question each as in standard teaching. Note HEEADSSS may add Eating/Safety expansions. ^[1]

Other preventive tasks (3). Growth/BMI/BP and indicated exam; immunisation review/catch-up; mood or substance screens when indicated; anticipatory guidance; transition planning in older teens; shared follow-up plan. ^{[5] [6] [7]}