Chapter 28 The Child with Endocrine Dysfunction

The nurse is discussing with a child and family the various sites used for insulin injections. What site usually has the fastest rate of absorption? a. Arm b. Leg c. Buttock d. Abdomen

ANS: D The abdomen has the fastest rate of absorption but the shortest duration. The arm has a fast rate of absorption but a short duration. The leg has a slow rate of absorption but a long duration. The buttock has the slowest rate of absorption and the longest duration

Exophthalmos (protruding eyeballs) may occur in children with which condition? a. Hypothyroidism b. Hyperthyroidism c. Hypoparathyroidism d. Hyperparathyroidism

ANS: B Exophthalmos is associated with hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism are not associated with exophthalmos.

Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids are secreted by which gland? a. Thyroid gland b. Adrenal cortex c. Anterior pituitary d. Parathyroid glands

ANS: B The glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids are secreted by the adrenal cortex. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone and thyrocalcitonin. The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin, prolactin, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone.

The nurse is teaching the family of a child with type 1 diabetes about insulin. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Unopened vials are good for 60 days. b. Diabetic supplies should not be left in a hot environment. c. Insulin can be placed in the freezer if not used every day. d. After it has been opened, insulin is good for up to 28 to 30 days. e. Insulin bottles that have been opened should be stored at room temperature or refrigerated.

ANS: B, D, E Insulin bottles that have been "opened" (i.e., the stopper has been punctured) should be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 28 to 30 days. After 1 month, these vials should be discarded. Unopened vials should be refrigerated and are good until the expiration date on the label. Diabetic supplies should not be left in a hot environment. Insulin need not be refrigerated but should be maintained at a temperature between 15° and 29.5° C (59° and 85° F). Freezing renders insulin inactive.

What clinical manifestation occurs with hypoglycemia? a. Lethargy b. Confusion c. Nausea and vomiting d. Weakness and dizziness

ANS: D Some of the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia include weakness; dizziness; difficulty concentrating, speaking, focusing, and coordinating; sweating; and pallor. Lethargy, confusion, and nausea and vomiting are manifestations of hyperglycemia

A goiter is an enlargement or hypertrophy of which gland? a. Thyroid b. Adrenal c. Anterior pituitary d. Posterior pituitary

ANS: A A goiter is an enlargement or hypertrophy of the thyroid gland. Goiter is not associated with the adrenal, anterior pituitary, or posterior pituitary secretory organs.

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) increases secretion in response to which hormone? a. Low levels of circulating thyroid hormone b. High levels of circulating thyroid hormone c. Low levels of circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone d. High levels of circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone

ANS: A As blood concentrations of the target hormones reach normal levels, a negative message is sent to the anterior pituitary to inhibit release of the tropic hormone. For example, TSH responds to low levels of circulating TH. As blood levels of TH reach normal concentrations, a negative feedback message is sent to the anterior pituitary, resulting in diminished release of TSH. Adrenocorticotropic stimulates the adrenals to secrete glucocorticoids

The nurse is planning care for a child recently diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI). What intervention should be included? a. Encourage the child to wear medical identification. b. Discuss with the child and family ways to limit fluid intake. c. Teach the child and family how to do required urine testing. d. Reassure the child and family that this is usually not a chronic or life-threatening illness.

ANS: A DI is a potentially life-threatening disorder if the voluntary demand for fluid is suppressed or the child does not have access to fluids. Medical alert identification should be worn. Fluid intake is not restricted in children with DI. The child is unable to concentrate urine and can rapidly become dehydrated. Fluid intake may be limited during diagnosis, when the lack of intake will result in decreased urinary output and dehydration. Urine testing is not required in DI. Changes in body weight provide information about approximate fluid balance. This is a lifelong disorder that requires supplemental vasopressin throughout life

A 12-year-old girl is newly diagnosed with diabetes when she develops ketoacidosis. How should the nurse structure a successful education program? a. Essential information is presented initially. b. Teaching should take place in the child's semiprivate room. c. Education is focused toward the parents because the child is too young. d. All information needed for self-management of diabetes is taught at once.

ANS: A Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be traumatic for the child and family. Most families are not psychologically ready for the complex teaching that is needed for self-management. Most structured diabetes education programs begin with essential or survival information followed by the complex background material when the family is better able to learn. Teaching can take place either as an outpatient or as an inpatient. The actual teaching area should be free from distractions that would interfere with learning. A semiprivate room would have many individuals entering and leaving the room, causing distraction. A 12-year-old child who is cognitively age appropriate needs to be included in the educational process. Most children older than the age of 8 years can be involved in blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration. Teaching all information needed for self-management of diabetes at once would be too overwhelming for a family in crisis.

During the summer many children are more physically active. What changes in the management of the child with diabetes should be expected as a result of more exercise? a. increase food intake b. decrease food intake c. increase risk of hyperglycemia d. decrease risk of insulin reaction

ANS: A Exercise is encouraged and never restricted unless indicated by other health conditions. Exercise lowers blood glucose levels, depending on the intensity and duration of the activity. Consequently, exercise should be included as part of diabetes management, and the type and amount of exercise should be planned around the child's interests and capabilities. However, in most instances, children's activities are unplanned, and the resulting decrease in blood glucose can be compensated for by providing extra snacks before (and, if the exercise is prolonged, during) the activity. In addition to a feeling of well-being, regular exercise aids in utilization of food and often results in a reduction of insulin requirements.

A school-age child with diabetes gets 30 units of NPH insulin at 0800. According to when this insulin peaks, the child should be at greatest risk for a hypoglycemic episode between when? a. Lunch and dinner b. Breakfast and lunch c. 0830 to his midmorning snack d. Bedtime and breakfast the next morning

ANS: A Intermediate-acting (NPH and Lente) insulins reach the blood 2 to 6 hours after injection. The insulins peak 4 to 14 hours later and stay in the blood for about 14 to 20 hours

What form of diabetes is characterized by destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency? a. Type 1 diabetes b. Type 2 diabetes c. Gestational diabetes d. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)

ANS: A Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, which leads to absolute insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes results usually from insulin resistance. The pancreatic beta cells are not destroyed in gestational diabetes. MODY is an autosomal dominant monogenetic defect in beta cell function that is characterized by impaired insulin secretion with minimum or no defects in insulin action.

The nurse is planning to admit a 12-year-old with Graves disease (GD). What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe in this child? (Select all that apply.) a. Insomnia b. Irritability c. Tonic rigidity d. Hyperactivity e. Muscle cramps

ANS: A, B, D Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism develop gradually, with an interval between onset and diagnosis of approximately 6 to 12 months. Clinical features include irritability, hyperactivity, short attention span, tremors, insomnia, and emotional lability. Tonic rigidity and muscle cramps are signs of hypoparathyroidism.

The nurse is preparing to admit a 7-year-old child with type 2 diabetes. What clinical features of type 2 diabetes should the nurse recognize? (Select all that apply.) a. Oral agents are effective. b. Insulin is usually needed. c. Ketoacidosis is infrequent. d. Diet only is often effective. e. Chronic complications frequently occur.

ANS: A, C, D The clinical features of type 2 diabetes include the following: oral agents are effective, ketoacidosis is infrequent, and diet only is often effective. Insulin is only needed in 20% to 30% of cases and chronic complications occur infrequently.

The nurse is preparing a community outreach program for adolescents about the characteristic differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). What concepts should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) a. Type 1 DM has an abrupt onset. b. Type 1 DM is often controlled with oral glucose agents. c. Type 1 DM occurs primarily in whites. d. Type 2 DM always requires insulin therapy. e. Type 2 DM frequently has a familial history. f. Type 2 DM occurs in people who are overweight.

ANS: A, C, E, F Characteristics of type 1 DM include having an abrupt onset, primarily occurring in whites, and not being controlled with oral glucose agents (insulin is required for therapy). Type 2 DM frequently has a familial history, occurs in people who are overweight, and does not always require insulin therapy (it is used in 20% to 30% of patients).

A preadolescent has maintained good glycemic control of his type 1 diabetes through the school year. During summer vacation, he has had repeated episodes of hypoglycemia. What additional teaching is needed? a. Carbohydrates in the diet need to be replaced with protein. b. Additional snacks are needed to compensate for increased activity. c. The child needs to decrease his activity level to minimize episodes of hypoglycemia. d. Insulin dosage should be increased to compensate for a change in activity level.

ANS: B Most children have a different schedule during summer vacation. The increased activity and exercise reduce insulin resistance and increase glucose utilization. Additional snacks should be eaten before physical activity to increase carbohydrates and protein and compensate for increased activity. Physical activity should always be encouraged if the child is capable. The benefits include improved glucose utilization and decreased insulin requirements. In consultation with the practitioner, insulin dosage may need to be decreased because of improved glucose utilization.

The nurse is teaching the parent of a preschool child how to administer the child's insulin injection. The child will be receiving 2 units of regular insulin and 12 units of NPH insulin every morning. What should the parent be taught? a. Draw the insulin in separate syringes. b. Draw the regular insulin first and then the NPH into the same syringe. c. Draw the NPH insulin first and then the regular into the same syringe. d. Check blood sugar first, and if below 120, hold the regular insulin and give the NPH.

ANS: B To obtain maximum benefit from mixing insulins, the recommended practice is to (1) inject the measured amount of air (equivalent to the dosage) into the long-acting insulin; (2) inject the measured amount of air into the rapid-acting (clear) insulin and, without removing the needle; (3) withdraw the clear insulin; and (4) insert the needle (already containing the clear insulin) into the long-acting (cloudy) insulin and then withdraw the desired amount. The blood sugar may be checked before giving the insulin, but the prescribed dose should not be withheld if the blood sugar is 120.

The school nurse practitioner is consulted by a fifth-grade teacher about a student who has become increasingly inattentive and hyperactive in the classroom. The nurse notes that the child's weight has changed from the 50th percentile to the 30th percentile. The nurse is concerned about possible hyperthyroidism. What additional sign or symptom should the nurse anticipate? a. Skin that is cool and dry b. Blurred vision and loss of acuity c. Running and being active during recess d. Decreased appetite and food intake

ANS: B Visual disturbances such as loss of visual acuity and blurred vision are associated with hyperthyroidism. They may occur before the actual onset of other symptoms. The child's skin is usually warm, flushed, and moist. Although the signs of hyperthyroidism include excessive motion, irritability, hyperactivity, short attention span, and emotional lability, these children are easily fatigued and require frequent rest periods. Children with hyperthyroidism have increased food intake. Even with voracious appetites, weight loss occurs

What are characteristics of diabetic ketoacidosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Pallor b. Acidosis c. Bradypnea d. Dehydration e. Electrolyte imbalance

ANS: B, D, E Characteristics of diabetic ketoacidosis include acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Respirations are rapid (Kussmaul respirations), not slow, and flushing, not pallor, would occur.

To help an adolescent deal with diabetes, the nurse needs to consider which characteristic of adolescence? a. Desire to be unique b. Preoccupation with the future c. Need to be perfect and similar to peers d. Awareness of peers that diabetes is a severe disease

ANS: C Adolescence is a time when the individual has a need to be perfect and similar to peers. Having diabetes makes adolescents different from their peers. Adolescents do not wish to be unique; they desire to fit in with the peer group. An adolescent is usually not future oriented. Awareness of peers that diabetes is a severe disease would further alienate the adolescent with diabetes. The peer group would focus on the differences

A child is receiving propylthiouracil for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). The parents and child should be taught to recognize and report which sign or symptom immediately? a. Fatigue b. Weight loss c. Fever, sore throat d. Upper respiratory tract infection

ANS: C Children being treated with propylthiouracil must be carefully monitored for the side effects of the drug. Parents must be alerted that sore throat and fever accompany the grave complication of leukopenia. These symptoms should be immediately reported. Fatigue and weight loss are manifestations of hyperthyroidism. Their presence may indicate that the drug is not effective but does not require immediate evaluation. Upper respiratory tract infections are most likely viral in origin and not a sign of leukopenia.

What is a common clinical manifestation of juvenile hypothyroidism? a. Insomnia b. Diarrhea c. Dry skin d. Rapid growth

ANS: C Dry skin, mental decline, and myxedematous skin changes are associated with juvenile hypothyroidism. Children with hypothyroidism often have sleepiness, constipation, and decelerated growth.

The parents of a child who has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ask about exercise. What effect does exercise have on a type 1 diabetic? a. Exercise increases blood glucose. b. Extra insulin is required during exercise. c. Additional snacks are needed before exercise. d. Excessive physical activity should be restricted.

ANS: C Exercise lowers blood glucose levels, decreasing the need for insulin. Extra snacks are provided to maintain the blood glucose levels. Exercise is encouraged and not restricted unless indicated by other health conditions.

A 20-kg (44-lb) child in ketoacidosis is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. What order should the nurse not implement until clarified with the physician? a. Weigh on admission and daily. b. Replace fluid volume deficit over 48 hours. c. Begin intravenous line with D5 0.45% normal saline with 20 mEq of potassium chloride. d. Give intravenous regular insulin 2 units/kg/hr after initial rehydration bolus.

ANS: C The initial hydrating solution is 0.9% normal saline. Potassium is not given until the child is voiding 25 ml/hr, demonstrating adequate renal function. After initial rehydration and insulin administration, then potassium is given. Dextrose is not given until blood glucose levels are between 250 and 300 mg/dl. An accurate, current weight is essential for determination of the amount of fluid loss and as a basis for medication dosage. Replacing fluid volume deficit over 48 hours is the current recommendation in diabetic ketoacidosis in children. Cerebral edema is a risk of more rapid administration. Intravenous regular insulin 2 units/kg/hr after initial rehydration bolus is the recommended insulin administration for a child of this weight. Only regular insulin can be given intravenously, and it is given after initial fluid volume expansion

An adolescent diabetic is admitted to the emergency department for treatment of hyperglycemia and pneumonia. What are characteristics of diabetic hyperglycemia? a. Cold, clammy skin and lethargy b. Hunger and hypertension c. Thirst, being flushed, and fruity breath d. Disorientation and pallor

ANS: C The signs of hyperglycemia are thirst, being flushed, and fruity breath. The skin is not cold or clammy, and there is not hunger and hypertension. Disorientation and pallor are signs of hypoglycemia.

What statement is characteristic of type 1 diabetes mellitus? a. Onset is usually gradual. b. Ketoacidosis is infrequent. c. Peak age incidence is 10 to 15 years. d. Oral agents are available for treatment.

ANS: C Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically usually has its onset before the age of 20 years, with a peak incidence between ages 10 and 15 years. Type 1 has an abrupt onset, in contrast to type 2, which has a more gradual appearance. Ketoacidosis occurs when insulin is unavailable and the body uses sources other than glucose for cellular metabolism. Ketoacidosis is more common in type 1 diabetes than in type 2. At this time, oral agents are available only for type 2 diabetes.

The nurse is taking care of a child who had a thyroidectomy. The nurse recognizes what as a positive Chvostek sign? a. Paresthesia occurring in feet and toes b. Frequent sharp flexion of wrist and ankle joints c. Carpal spasm elicited by pressure applied to the nerves of the upper arm d. Facial muscle spasm elicited by tapping the facial nerve in the region of the parotid gland

ANS: D A positive Chvostek sign is a facial muscle spasm that is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in the region of the parotid gland. Paresthesia occurring in the feet and toes and frequent sharp flexion of the wrist and ankle joints can be signs of hypoparathyroidism but are not part of a positive Chvostek sign. Carpal spasm elicited by pressure applied to nerves of the upper arm is called a positive Trousseau sign.

The nurse is teaching an adolescent about giving insulin injections. The adolescent asks if the disposable needles and syringes can be used more than once. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge? a. It is unsafe. b. It is acceptable for up to 24 hours. c. It is acceptable for families with very limited resources. d. It is suitable for up to 3 days if stored in the refrigerator.

ANS: D Bacterial counts are unaffected if insulin syringes are handled in an aseptic manner and stored in the refrigerator between use. The syringes can be used up to 3 days and result in a considerable cost savings. Bacterial counts remain low for up to 72 hours with proper technique. The family's resources are not an issue; if a practice is unsafe, the family should not be encouraged to endanger the child by reusing equipment.

What blood glucose measurement is most likely associated with diabetic ketoacidosis? a. 185 mg/dl b. 220 mg/dl c. 280 mg/dl d. 330 mg/dl

ANS: D Diabetic ketoacidosis is a state of relative insulin insufficiency and may include the presence of hyperglycemia, a blood glucose level greater than or equal to 330 mg/dl; 185, 220, and 280 mg/dl are values that are too low for the definition of ketoacidosis.

What statement applies to the current focus of the dietary management of children with diabetes? a. Measurement of all servings of food is vital for control. b. Daily calculate specific amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. c. The number of calories for carbohydrates remains constant on a daily basis; protein and fat calories are liberal. d. The intake ensures day-to-day consistency in total calories, protein, carbohydrates, and moderate fat while allowing for a wide variety of foods.

ANS: D Essentially the nutritional needs of children with diabetes are no different from those of healthy children. Children with diabetes need no special foods or supplements. They need sufficient calories to balance daily expenditure for energy and to satisfy the requirement for growth and development.

What clinical manifestation is considered a cardinal sign of diabetes mellitus? a. Nausea b. Seizures c. Impaired vision d. Frequent urination

ANS: D Hallmarks of diabetes mellitus are glycosuria, polyuria, and polydipsia. Nausea and seizures are not clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Impaired vision is a long-term complication of the disease.

A child eats some sugar cubes after experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. This rapid-releasing sugar should be followed by which dietary intervention? a. Sports drink and fruit b. Glucose tabs and protein c. Glass of water and crackers d. Milk and peanut butter on bread

ANS: D Symptoms of hypoglycemia are treated with a rapid-releasing sugar source followed by a complex carbohydrate and protein. Milk supplies lactose and a more prolonged action from the protein. The bread is a complex carbohydrate, which with the peanut butter provides a sustained action. The sports drink contains primarily simple carbohydrates. The fruit contains additional carbohydrates. A protein source is needed for sustained action. The glucose tabs are simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are needed with the protein. Crackers are a complex carbohydrate, but protein is needed to stabilize the blood sugar.