Athletic Training Practice Exam

During a pre participation physical examination, what type of assessment should be used to document the maturity of the athlete's secondary sexual characteristics?

1. Tanner's 5 stages of assessment

2. HOPS assessment scale

3. Glasgow scale

4. Erickson's hierarchy

The correct answer is: Tanner's 5 stages of assessment

The correct assessment to document the maturity of an athlete's secondary sexual characteristics during a pre-participation physical examination is Tanner's 5 stages of assessment. This system, developed by Dr. James Tanner, categorizes physical development during puberty into five stages, focusing on the maturation of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development in females and genital development in males. Each stage provides healthcare professionals with a clear framework to evaluate and communicate an individual's level of physical maturity, which can be crucial for understanding growth patterns, guiding training approaches, and ensuring appropriate health and safety measures in athletic participation. The other assessment tools listed are relevant to different contexts: HOPS (History, Observation, Palpation, and Special Tests) is primarily used for musculoskeletal evaluations; the Glasgow Coma Scale assesses the level of consciousness in patients with brain injuries; and Erikson's hierarchy focuses on psychosocial development rather than physical maturity. Each of these other methods serves distinct purposes and contexts, making Tanner's assessment the best choice for evaluating secondary sexual characteristics.