Janice is 16. The police who picked her up from the street where she had collapsed brought her into an A&E department. She is very intoxicated and has been placed on a drip overnight.
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1. Should the nurse discuss Janice's sexual health?
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Correct answer:
Janice is a vulnerable young person whose alcohol use may put her at risk of unwanted and/or unprotected sexual activity. One study by the British Youth Council found that 1 in 5 young people claimed their first sexual experience was while drunk.
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2. If so, what should she discuss?
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Correct answer:
Raising the issue with Janice might be difficult and a sensitive approach is needed to taking a sexual history without unnecessary probing. This should be done in a private space. The nurse should be non-judgmental and supportive and avoid making any assumptions about Janice but a structured one to one conversation should:
- provide information about where to access emergency contraception;
- discuss risk reduction and support for decision-making;
- discuss condom use and encourage consistent use and build skills in negotiating their use.
