A child with growth hormone deficiency (hypopituitarism) is being started on growth hormone therapy. Nursing considerations should be based on knowledge of which of the following:
Replacement therapy may require daily subcutaneous injections
Lifelong replacement therapy will be required
Treatment is most successful if started during adolescence.
Treatment is considered successful if children attain full stature by adulthood
The Correct Answer is A
A. Replacement therapy may require daily subcutaneous injections.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency (hypopituitarism) often requires treatment with growth hormone therapy. One common method of administering growth hormone is through daily subcutaneous injections. Subcutaneous injections involve injecting the medication under the skin into the fatty tissue. This is a routine part of growth hormone therapy, and nursing considerations would include educating the child and their family about proper injection techniques, site rotation, and adherence to the treatment schedule.
Explanation for the other choices:
B. Lifelong replacement therapy will be required:
This statement is generally true. Growth hormone deficiency often requires long-term treatment, which may extend throughout childhood and adolescence. However, in some cases, the need for growth hormone therapy might change based on the individual's response to treatment and growth patterns.
C. Treatment is most successful if started during adolescence:
The optimal timing for starting growth hormone therapy can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the underlying cause of growth hormone deficiency. While treatment during adolescence can be effective, growth hormone therapy can also be successful if started earlier in childhood or later in adolescence. The key is identifying and treating the deficiency as soon as possible to promote healthy growth.
D. Treatment is considered successful if children attain full stature by adulthood:
While growth hormone therapy aims to support growth, achieving "full stature" might not always be possible. The goal of treatment is to help the child reach a more typical height based on their genetic potential and individual response to therapy. The success of treatment is determined by improvements in growth velocity and height, rather than necessarily achieving "full stature," which can vary greatly among individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Kidneys are very small and irregular.
Explanation: This statement is not the primary reason for instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury in babies or children under 2 years old. While it is true that infant and toddler kidneys are relatively smaller and have a slightly different shape compared to adult kidneys, the main concern for kidney injury prevention in this age group is related to other factors.
B) The occurrence of Hirsutism.
Explanation: Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth, typically in a male pattern, in women and children. It is not directly related to kidney injury prevention in babies or children under 2 years old. Hirsutism is usually caused by hormonal imbalances and is not a primary consideration when instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury.
C) Diaper rashes.
Explanation: Diaper rashes are skin irritations that occur in the diaper area of infants and young children. While diaper rashes can be uncomfortable and require proper care, they are not a major concern when instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury. Diaper rashes are typically a result of prolonged exposure to moisture and can be managed with good hygiene practices and appropriate diaper-changing routines.
D) Children under two years old are more vulnerable to kidney trauma from compression force to abdomen.
Explanation: This statement is true and is the main reason for instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury in babies or children under 2 years old. Children in this age group have relatively larger abdomens and less developed abdominal muscles, which makes their kidneys more susceptible to injury from compression forces to the abdomen. This is why caregivers are advised to handle young children carefully, avoid rough play, and ensure that they are securely fastened in car seats and other safety devices to prevent potential kidney trauma.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Absence of proteinuria:
Chronic glomerulonephritis often involves damage to the glomeruli in the kidneys, which can lead to the leakage of protein into the urine, resulting in proteinuria. The absence of proteinuria would be an unexpected finding in a patient with chronic glomerulonephritis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
B) Serum phosphorus 4.0 mg/dL (within expected reference range):
Serum phosphorus levels within the expected reference range are not directly related to chronic glomerulonephritis. While abnormalities in electrolyte levels might occur due to kidney dysfunction, serum phosphorus within the normal range is not a hallmark finding of glomerulonephritis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
C) Serum potassium 3.8 mEq/L (within the expected reference range):
Similar to serum phosphorus, serum potassium levels within the normal range are not specific to chronic glomerulonephritis. Kidney dysfunction can indeed affect electrolyte levels, but a serum potassium level within the normal range doesn't provide specific information about glomerulonephritis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
D) BUN 50 mg/dL (elevated):
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys. Elevated BUN levels indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are less efficient at filtering and excreting waste products. Chronic glomerulonephritis can lead to progressive kidney damage, which can result in elevated BUN levels due to decreased filtration and clearance. Therefore, an elevated BUN level is an expected finding in a patient with chronic glomerulonephritis.
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