Chapter 26: Nursing Care of the Child With an Alteration in Metabolism/Endocrine Disorder

The nurse is preparing teaching materials for a family whose child is prescribed somatropin for a growth hormone deficiency. What should the nurse instruct the parents about the administration of this medication?

This medication must be given by injection.

A 10-year-old child has been diagnosed with precocious puberty. When talking with the child, what statements are appropriate? Select all that apply.

"How are you doing in school?" "Developing is normal but your development is happening early." "Would talking with someone about your feelings help?" "Tell me about your feelings about what is happening to your body."

The adolescent with diabetes reports ketones in their urine when testing at home. She states to the nurse, "I forget what that means, but I don't think it's good." What is the best response from the nurse?

"This can be a sign that your diabetes is not well controlled. What have your finger stick blood glucose levels been?"

A new mother is concerned about the need to provide medication to a newborn every day for an indefinite period of time. What should the nurse encourage the mother to do to help ensure medication compliance? Select all that apply.

Check the expiration dates on all medications. Plan times for medications that fit in with the daily routine. Build medication administration into the general home routine.

The student nurse is reviewing the medical record of a child with diabetes insipidus. What information found provides support for diagnosis? Select all that apply.

Increased urination Dehydration Decreased urine osmolality

The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old boy who has had long-term corticosteroid therapy. Which finding, along with the use of the corticosteroids, indicates Cushing disease?

History of rapid weight gain

The caregivers of a child just diagnosed with diabetes express concern that they won't remember the different signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. As a result, they are afraid they won't handle an emergency correctly. What is the best initial response by the nurse to help ensure the child's safety?

Instruct them to treat the reaction as if it's hypoglycemia, which is more likely.