Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Which statement is accurate regarding the growth spurt in females during puberty?

1. The growth spurt occurs before menses

2. Pubic hair develops after menses

3. Breast development is the last sign of puberty

4. Breast development begins between ages 12 and 13 years

The correct answer is: The growth spurt occurs before menses

The accurate statement regarding the growth spurt in females during puberty is that it occurs before menses. This growth spurt typically begins around ages 9 to 14 and is characterized by a rapid increase in height and weight. For most girls, this growth spurt reaches its peak height about 1 to 2 years prior to menarche (the onset of menstruation). The timing of these changes is significant; while breast development generally starts before the onset of menstruation, it is one of the earlier signs of puberty, and the actual growth spurt occurs in conjunction with other physical changes, often preceding menarche. Understanding the sequence of these developmental milestones is essential in pediatric nursing as it can influence health education and anticipatory guidance for young females. The other statements are less accurate; for instance, pubic hair typically begins to develop around the same time as breast budding, not after menarche. Additionally, breast development is usually one of the early signs of puberty, rather than the last. Lastly, while breast development may indeed start around ages 12 to 13, it can begin earlier, often starting with thelarche, which can occur as early as age 8 in some girls.