Which screening should a nurse recommend for a 13-year-old adolescent during anticipatory guidance?

In the context of anticipatory guidance for a 13-year-old adolescent, recommending body mass index (BMI) screening is vital for monitoring growth patterns and assessing overall health. At this developmental stage, adolescents experience significant physical changes, and establishing a healthy weight is crucial for their overall well-being.

BMI is a useful tool for evaluating whether a youth is within a healthy weight range based on their height and weight. It helps identify potential risks for obesity or underweight conditions, which can have long-term health implications. Furthermore, screening for BMI aligns with recommendations from health organizations, which suggest regular tracking of weight status during adolescence due to its importance in promoting healthy behaviors and addressing issues related to nutrition and physical activity.

While weight measurement alone can provide some information about growth, BMI offers a more comprehensive perspective by accounting for height. Screening for blood lead levels is generally more relevant in younger children or those at risk rather than in a typical 13-year-old, while scoliosis screening, though important, may not be prioritized during routine anticipatory guidance unless specific concerns arise. Therefore, recommending BMI screening allows for a more thorough evaluation of the adolescent's health during this critical time of growth and development.