Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

During Tanner Stage II, what physical signs are typically observed in a young female?

1. Breast buds and some straight pubic hair

2. Fully developed breasts and curly pubic hair

3. Breast tissue with the areola on a separate mound with curly pubic hair

4. No breast tissue and no pubic hair

The correct answer is: Breast buds and some straight pubic hair

During Tanner Stage II of sexual maturation in females, the physical signs observed include the development of breast buds and the appearance of some straight pubic hair. This stage marks the beginning of breast development, with small lumps of breast tissue starting to form beneath the nipple, which is known as breast budding. Additionally, the early stages of pubic hair development begin, typically starting as soft, straight hairs in the pubic region. The other options describe physical signs that are not consistent with Tanner Stage II. For instance, fully developed breasts and curly pubic hair would align more with later stages of development, while breast tissue that forms a separate mound and curly pubic hair relates to a more advanced stage of maturation. Lastly, the absence of breast tissue and pubic hair entirely would be characteristic of prepubertal development prior to Tanner Stage I. Thus, the presence of breast buds and some straight pubic hair accurately reflects the changes occurring in Tanner Stage II.