NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The onset of puberty is typically marked by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the activation of hormonal changes that lead to physical growth and development. For girls, the onset of puberty generally begins between the ages of 8 and 13, while for boys, it usually starts between 9 and 14. The age of 8 years old is commonly recognized as the earliest age for normal puberty onset in girls, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.

This range is important for understanding typical growth patterns in children, and while puberty can occasionally start slightly earlier in some individuals, age 8 is widely accepted as the threshold where it is considered normal for pediatricians and health professionals to monitor the development closely. This knowledge is critical for school nurses, as they often assess the growth and development of students and need to differentiate between normal variations and potential health concerns.