Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is considered precocious puberty?

1. Onset of puberty before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys

2. Onset of puberty before age 9 in girls and age 10 in boys

3. Onset of puberty before age 10 in girls and age 11 in boys

4. Onset of puberty at an earlier age than the child's parent(s)

The correct answer is: Onset of puberty before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys

The definition of precocious puberty is established by the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before a certain age threshold, which is set at age 8 for girls and age 9 for boys. This early development can involve physical signs such as breast development or menarche in girls and testicular enlargement or pubic hair in boys. Recognizing and diagnosing precocious puberty is essential because it can have implications for physical and psychological development, as well as long-term health and growth. The criteria provided in the other options do not align with the established medical definitions. For instance, the age thresholds in those choices would either categorize children who are developing normally as precocious or set age limits that are too lenient, failing to capture the concerns associated with early sexual maturation.