The nurse is taking a sexual history on an adolescent girl. Which is the best way to determine whether she is sexually active?

A) Ask her, "Are you sexually active?"
B) Ask her, "Are you having sex with anyone?"
C) Ask her, "Are you having sex with a boyfriend?"
D) Ask both the girl and her parent whether she is sexually active.

Asking the adolescent girl whether she is having sex with anyone is a direct question that is well understood. The phrase sexually active is broadly defined and may not provide specific information to the nurse to provide necessary care. The word anyone is preferred to using gender-specific terms such as boyfriend or girlfriend. Because homosexual experimentation may occur, it is preferable to use gender-neutral terms. Questioning about sexual activity should occur when the adolescent is alone.