It is now recommended that children with asthma who are taking long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently to monitor for increased risk of:

Verbalizing the importance of monitoring for medication side effects.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, which means the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, heat intolerance, and palpitations. The medication methimazole is used to treat Graves’ disease by blocking the synthesis of thyroid hormone. However, methimazole can also cause serious side effects such as liver damage, agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count), and allergic reactions.

Therefore, the priority nursing goal for a 14 year old diagnosed with Graves’ disease is to verbalize the importance of monitoring for medication side effects and reporting them to the health care provider.

Choice A is wrong because relieving constipation is not a priority goal for Graves’ disease. Constipation is more likely to occur in hypothyroidism, which is the opposite of hyperthyroidism.

Choice B is wrong because allowing the adolescent to make decisions about whether or not to take medication is not a priority goal for Graves’ disease. While it is important to respect the adolescent’s autonomy and involve them in their care plan, they also need to understand the risks and benefits of taking medication and the consequences of not taking it.

Choice D is wrong because developing alternative educational goals is not a priority goal for Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease can affect the academic performance of adolescents due to cognitive and emotional changes caused by hyperthyroidism.

However, this does not mean that they need to change their educational goals. They may need extra support and accommodations from their teachers and parents to cope with their condition and achieve their potential.

This is because self-monitoring of blood glucose allows children to learn how their blood sugar levels change in response to different factors such as food, exercise, stress, and medication.

It also helps them to adjust their insulin doses and dietary intake accordingly. Self-monitoring of blood glucose can improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications.

Choice A is wrong because it is not a less expensive method of testing.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose requires a glucose meter, test strips, lancets, and a logbook, which can be costly for some families.

Choice B is wrong because it is not less accurate than laboratory testing.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose can provide accurate and reliable results if done correctly and regularly.

Laboratory testing is usually done periodically to measure the average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months (hemoglobin A1c).

Choice D is wrong because it implies that the parents are not involved in the child’s diabetes management.

Parents should still provide support and guidance to their children with diabetes, especially when they are young or newly diagnosed. Parents should also monitor their child’s blood glucose levels and help them with insulin administration if needed.