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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Can always track an object with eyes:
The ability to track an object with the eyes typically develops in infants around 2 to 3 months of age. This developmental milestone is not specific to cerebral palsy and is generally expected in healthy infants.
B. Needs support with pillow props for sitting
Explanation:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely, but they are generally related to motor function and coordination.
The manifestation of needing support with pillow props for sitting is consistent with the motor impairments often seen in cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties with muscle control and coordination, which can affect their ability to sit independently. The need for external support to maintain a sitting position is indicative of motor developmental delays or challenges associated with cerebral palsy.
C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up a toy:
The pincer grasp, where a child uses the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects, usually develops around 9 to 12 months of age. This developmental milestone is not directly associated with cerebral palsy and is part of normal infant development.
D. Smiles when a parent appears:
Smiling in response to familiar faces, including parents, is a social and emotional developmental milestone that typically occurs around 2 to 3 months of age. While cerebral palsy can affect motor function, it does not directly impact an infant's ability to express emotions like smiling.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Always infantize the child
Incorrect Explanation: "Infantizing" a child with a growth hormone deficiency is not a relevant or appropriate approach.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency is a medical condition that affects a child's growth. Treating the child as an infant could potentially have negative psychological and social effects. It's important to provide appropriate support and understanding without treating the child differently due to their medical condition.
B. Monitor for leukemia
Incorrect Explanation: Monitoring for leukemia is not directly related to growth hormone deficiency.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency primarily affects a child's growth and development due to inadequate production of growth hormone. While there might be certain health concerns associated with the condition, monitoring for leukemia is not a common aspect of managing growth hormone deficiency.
C. Help the parents set realistic goals based on the child's age and abilities
Correct Explanation: This is an important aspect to include in teaching.
Explanation: When a child is diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, it's crucial for parents to set realistic expectations regarding their child's growth. Growth hormone therapy can help, but it's essential to understand that the child's growth might still differ from their peers. Setting realistic goals based on the child's age and abilities can help manage expectations and provide appropriate support.
D. This illness is only seen in males
Incorrect Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency is not limited to males.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency can affect individuals of any gender. It is not exclusive to males. The condition results from insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, and it can occur in both males and females.
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