A teary-eyed 18-year-old concerned about pregnancy needs what to move forward in care?

The appropriate step for the 18-year-old concerned about pregnancy to move forward in care is to obtain a bedside pregnancy test. This is significant because determining if she is pregnant or not is the first crucial step in addressing her concerns. A bedside pregnancy test provides rapid results and can help guide subsequent actions for her care, whether she needs counseling, medication, or further medical interventions.

This initial testing phase is vital before any decisions about medication prescriptions, ultrasounds, or physical examinations can be made. The result of the pregnancy test will directly influence the next steps in her care, such as discussing options for pregnancy continuation or termination, if applicable, or focusing on alternative medical needs if she is not pregnant.