ABFM Adolescent Medicine flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Tanner stage B2

First sign of female puberty, breast budding, typically appearing between ages 8 and 13; precedes the growth spurt and menarche by about 2-2.5 years.

Testicular enlargement onset

Testicular volume of at least 4 mL is usually the first sign of male puberty, typically between ages 9 and 14, preceding pubic hair and the growth spurt.

Peak height velocity

Maximum growth rate during puberty, averaging about 9 cm/year in girls and 10 cm/year in boys; occurs near Tanner stage 3 in girls and stage 4 in boys.

Menarche timing

First menstrual period, occurring about 2-2.5 years after thelarche and generally after peak height velocity, typically at Tanner breast stage 4.

Delayed puberty definition

Absence of breast development by age 13 in girls or no testicular enlargement by age 14 in boys; evaluation includes bone age and gonadotropin levels.

Precocious puberty definition

Breast or pubic hair before age 8 in girls or testicular enlargement before age 9 in boys; GnRH stimulation testing distinguishes central from peripheral causes.

Adolescent preventive visit

Recommended annually for ages 11-21, including BMI, blood pressure, vision and hearing screening, immunizations, and age-appropriate behavioral health screening.

Adolescent vaccination schedule

HPV series recommended at ages 11-12 (may start at 9), Tdap booster at 11-12, and meningococcal conjugate vaccine at 11-12 with a booster at 16.

Dyslipidemia screening

Universal lipid screening once between ages 9-11 and again between ages 17-21, regardless of family history, to detect familial hypercholesterolemia.

Scoliosis screening

Forward bend test recommended at ages 10-12, when curvature progression risk is highest; abnormal results warrant radiographic confirmation.

Formal operational thought

Piagetian stage emerging around age 11-12 in which adolescents develop abstract reasoning and hypothetical-deductive logic, enabling future planning and moral reasoning.

Identity vs role confusion

Erikson's psychosocial task of adolescence (roughly ages 12-18); successful resolution produces fidelity and a stable, coherent sense of self.

Imaginary audience

Adolescent egocentric belief of being constantly observed and judged by others, contributing to self-consciousness and heightened sensitivity to peer evaluation.

Personal fable

Adolescent belief in one's uniqueness and invulnerability, which can reduce perceived risk and contribute to risk-taking behavior.

Adolescent depression screening

Annual screening from age 12 using validated tools; depressed mood or anhedonia lasting at least two weeks meets core diagnostic criteria.

Suicide risk assessment

Directly asking about suicidal ideation, plan, intent, and access to means; asking does not increase risk and is essential to safety planning.

ADHD in adolescence

Persistent inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity causing impairment; associated with academic decline, risk-taking, and substance use, requiring continued treatment.

Anorexia nervosa signs

Restriction of intake, significantly low weight, intense fear of weight gain, and body image distortion; often accompanied by amenorrhea and medical instability.

Bulimia nervosa signs

Recurrent binge eating with compensatory purging, typically in normal-weight adolescents; associated with dental erosion, electrolyte abnormalities, and secrecy.

CRAFFT screening

Brief validated substance use screen for adolescents; scores of 2 or more indicate increased risk and warrant further assessment and brief intervention.

Adolescent confidentiality

Time alone with the clinician and confidential care for STIs, contraception, and mental health, with clear limits for imminent danger or abuse.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Legal duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect to child protective services, which overrides promises of confidentiality to the adolescent or family.

Leading cause of teen death

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in adolescents; graduated driver licensing and consistent seat belt use reduce mortality.

Firearm safe storage

Counseling families to store firearms locked and unloaded with ammunition separate; access to a firearm is a major risk factor for adolescent suicide.

School connectedness

Adolescents' sense of belonging and being cared for at school; higher connectedness is protective against substance use, violence, and emotional distress.

Parental monitoring

Parental knowledge of the adolescent's whereabouts, activities, and peers; high monitoring and family connectedness are protective against risk behavior.

HPV vaccination timing

Recommended routinely at ages 11-12, can start at age 9; two doses if started before age 15, three doses if started at 15 or older.

Chlamydia screening

Annual screening recommended for sexually active females aged 25 or younger; males screened as indicated by symptoms or risk factors.

Adolescent pregnancy risks

Increased risk of anemia, hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, and low birth weight; contraception counseling is a core preventive service.

Social media screening

Assessing digital media use at preventive visits; excessive use correlates with sleep disruption, body image concerns, and mood symptoms.

Graduated driver licensing

Staged licensing with supervised learner periods and nighttime or passenger restrictions; associated with reduced crash rates among novice adolescent drivers.

Bullying screening

Asking adolescents about peer victimization and cyberbullying at preventive visits; involvement as victim or perpetrator correlates with mental health problems.