[Answered]: A 12-year-old girl is brought to the physician…

A 12-year-old girl is brought to the physician for a well-child examination. Her mother says. “She is getting to that difficult ago when she does not always want us to know where she is, but she is such a good git that we never worry.” Menarche occurred at the age of 10 years. Menses occur at regular 28-day intervals. The patient seems concemed that she weighs too much. She is at the 70th percentile for height and 65th percentile for weight. Breast and pubic hair development are Tanner stage 4. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step for the physician? Ask the patient and her mother if they have any questions about teenagers and sexual activity Counsel the patient and her mother about the risks of alcohol and illicit drug use Refer the patient and her mother for unseling on eating disorders Speak to the patient privately so that she can express any concerns Talk with the patient and her mother about pubertal development