Читать книгу Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Children's Nurses - Группа авторов - Страница 39

Teenagers develop through a complex range of emotions, physical changes and exploring identity. Through the onset of puberty hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen are produced, resulting in growth spurts and the production of secondary sexual characteristics such as body odour, body and facial hair, breast development and menstruation. During this time there is an increase in self‐awareness and the need to be accepted by peers and society. There is an increase in mental health conditions developing in this age group, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression as well as lack of confidence. It has been noted that young people often rebel against strict boundaries and want to be treated and act like adults, leading to risk‐taking behaviours.

Coping with ill health and being separated from friends and peers can be very isolating, especially when in hospital for long periods with a complex or long‐term condition. Taking medication or carrying emergency medication, such as an epi pen in case of an allergic reaction, ventolin inhaler in case of an asthma attack or insulin and equipment to monitor and correct blood sugar levels in diabetes, can be rejected by some.

Young people should be involved in the decision‐making process about their treatment and share the responsibility where appropriate. Their independence should be supported and plans developed to encourage their self‐management as they move to adulthood and in the future leaving the family home. Encouraging independence supports normality in life and allows young people to stay at friends houses or go on residential trips with their peers. Promoting the self‐management of treatment and medication develops responsibility, time‐management and decision‐making skills. One area that can be difficult with this is supporting parents to allow their child to have some independence and responsibility for their own health. When medication is vital, not taking medication can be life‐threatening. This is very difficult for parents/carers, having maintained their child’s safety and health for many years.