Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which scenario requires parental consent for a minor seeking medical attention?

1. A 17-year-old treated for a sexually transmitted infection

2. A 12-year-old wanting a serum pregnancy test

3. A 15-year-old seeking birth control pills

4. A 14-year-old treated for dysmenorrhea

The correct answer is: A 14-year-old treated for dysmenorrhea

The requirement for parental consent in the context of minors seeking medical attention often hinges on the legal guidelines regarding age, type of care, and the specifics of the situation. In the given question, the scenario that necessitates parental consent is related to the treatment for dysmenorrhea in a 14-year-old. Typically, many states allow minors to access certain types of healthcare, particularly related to reproductive health, without parental consent. In this case, individuals seeking care for sexually transmitted infections or contraception often have provisions that permit them to do so without needing parental involvement. Additionally, a 12-year-old requesting a pregnancy test is often protected under laws that support a minor’s ability to seek such testing independently, recognizing the sensitive nature of reproductive health. On the other hand, the treatment for dysmenorrhea, which may not fall under specific exceptions for minors seeking reproductive healthcare, usually requires parental consent. This is because it is more general medical treatment rather than specific reproductive health services, and laws often dictate that minors must have parental approval for broader medical care until they reach a certain age or are considered mature enough to make such decisions independently. Therefore, parental consent is necessary in the scenario involving the 14-year-old treated for dysmenorrhea, aligning with