Chapter 28: The Child with Endocrine Dysfunction

A child with growth hormone (GH) deficiency is receiving GH therapy. When is the best time for the GH to be administered? a. At bedtime b. After meals c. Before meals d. On arising in the morning

ANS: A Injections are best given at bedtime to more closely approximate the physiologic release of GH. After or before meals and on arising in the morning do not mimic the physiologic release of the hormone.

The nurse is discussing with a child and family the various sites used for insulin injections. Which 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 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.

The parents of a neonate with adrenogenital hyperplasia tell the nurse that they are afraid to have any more children. The nurse should explain which statement about adrenogenital hyperplasia? a. It is not hereditary. b. Genetic counseling is indicated. c. It can be prevented during pregnancy. d. All future children will have the disorder.

ANS: B Some forms of adrenogenital hyperplasia are hereditary and should be referred for genetic counseling. Affected offspring should also be referred for genetic counseling. There is an autosomal recessive form of adrenogenital hyperplasia. A prenatal treatment with glucocorticoids can be offered to the mother during pregnancy to avoid the sex ambiguity, but it does not affect the presence of the disease. If it is the heritable form, for each pregnancy, a 25% risk occurs that the child will be affected.

The clinic nurse is reviewing hemoglobin A1c levels on several children with type 1 diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c levels of less than _____% is a goal for children with type 1 diabetes. (Record your answer in a whole number.)

ANS: 7 The measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c) levels is a satisfactory method for assessing control of the diabetes. As red blood cells circulate in the bloodstream, glucose molecules gradually attach to the hemoglobin A molecules and remain there for the lifetime of the red blood cell, approximately 120 days. The attachment is not reversible, therefore, this glycosylated hemoglobin reflects the average blood glucose levels over the previous 2 to 3 months. The test is a satisfactory method for assessing control, detecting incorrect testing, monitoring the effectiveness of changes in treatment, defining patients' goals, and detecting nonadherence. Hemoglobin A1c levels of less than 7% are a well-established goal at most care centers.

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 organs.

The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first? a. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed. b. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed. c. Place child on a cardiac monitor. d. Place child on a pulse oximetry monitor.

ANS: A All patients with DKA experience dehydration (10% of total body weight in severe ketoacidosis) because of the osmotic diuresis, accompanied by depletion of electrolytes, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium. The initial hydrating solution is 0.9% saline solution. Insulin therapy should be started after the initial rehydration bolus because serum glucose levels fall rapidly after volume expansion. The child should be placed on the cardiac and pulse oximetry monitor after the rehydrating solution has been initiated.

A nurse is planning interventions for a toddler with juvenile hypothyroidism. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement for this child? (Select all that apply.) a. Moisturizer for dry skin b. Antidiarrheal medications c. Medications to help with insomnia d. Implementation of thyroxine therapy

ANS: A, D The presenting symptoms of juvenile hypothyroidism are myxedematous skin changes (dry skin, puffiness around the eyes, sparse hair), constipation, lethargy, and mental decline. The nurse should plan interventions for the dry skin and for the implementation of thyroxine therapy. The child is prone to constipation and sleepiness so antidiarrheal medication and medications to help with insomnia would not be appropriate.

The nurse should expect to assess which clinical manifestations in an adolescent with Cushing syndrome? (Select all that apply.) a. Hyperglycemia b. Hyperkalemia c. Hypotension d. Cushingoid features e. Susceptibility to infections

ANS: A, D, E In Cushing syndrome, physiologic disturbances seen are Cushingoid features hyperglycemia, susceptibility to infection, hypertension, and hypokalemia.

Nursing care of a child diagnosed with a syndrome of inappropriate ADH should include which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Weigh daily b. Encourage fluids c. Turn frequently d. Maintain nothing by mouth (NPO) e. Restrict fluids

ANS: A, E Increased secretion of ADH causes the kidney to reabsorb water, which increases fluid volume and decreases serum osmolarity with a progressive reduction in sodium concentration. The immediate management of the child is to restrict fluids. The child should also be weighed at the same time each day. Encouraging fluids will worsen the child's condition. Turning frequently is not an appropriate intervention unless the child is unresponsive. Fluids, not food, should be restricted.

Chronic adrenocortical insufficiency is also referred to as: a. Graves disease. b. Addison disease. c. Cushing syndrome. d. Hashimoto disease.

ANS: B Addison disease is chronic adrenocortical insufficiency. Graves and Hashimoto diseases involve the thyroid gland. Cushing syndrome is a result of excessive circulation of free cortisol.

A neonate born with ambiguous genitalia is diagnosed with congenital adrenogenital hyperplasia. Therapeutic management includes administration of: a. vitamin D. b. cortisone. c. stool softeners. d. calcium carbonate.

ANS: B Cortisone is administered to suppress the abnormally high secretions of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This in turn inhibits the secretion of adrenocorticosteroid, which stems the progressive virilization. Vitamin D, stool softeners, and calcium carbonate have no role in the therapy of adrenogenital hyperplasia.

An adolescent is being seen in the clinic for evaluation of acromegaly. The nurse understands that which occurs with acromegaly? a. There is a lack of growth hormone (GH) being produced. b. There is excess growth hormone (GH) after closure of the epiphyseal plates. c. There is an excess of growth hormone (GH) before the closure of the epiphyseal plates. d. There is a lack of thyroid hormone being produced.

ANS: B Excess GH after closure of the epiphyseal plates results in acromegaly. A lack of growth hormone results in delayed growth or even dwarfism. Gigantism occurs when there is hypersecretion of GH before the closure of the epiphyseal plates. Cretinism is associated with hypothyroidism.

Exophthalmos (protruding eyeballs) may occur in children with: a. hypothyroidism. b. hyperthyroidism. c. hypoparathyroidism. d. hyperparathyroidism.

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

The nurse should teach parents of a preschool child with type 1 diabetes that which can raise the blood glucose level? a. Exercise b. Steroids c. Decreased food intake d. Lantus insulin

ANS: B Parents should understand how to adjust food, activity, and insulin at the time of illness or when the child is treated for an illness with a medication known to raise the blood glucose level (e.g., steroids). Exercise, insulin, and decreased food intake can cause hypoglycemia.

The nurse is caring for an 11-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. Which should be included in the teaching plan for daily injections? a. The parents do not need to learn the procedure. b. He is old enough to give most of his own injections. c. Self-injections will be possible when he is closer to adolescence. d. He can learn about self-injections when he is able to reach all injection sites.

ANS: B School-age children are able to give their own injections. Parents should participate in learning and giving the insulin injections. He is already old enough to administer his own insulin. The child is able to use thighs, abdomen, part of the hip, and arm. Assistance can be obtained if other sites are used.

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results on a school-age child with hypoparathyroidism. Which results are consistent with this condition? a. Decreased serum phosphorus b. Decreased serum calcium c. Increased serum glucose d. Decreased serum cortisol level

ANS: B The diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism is made on the basis of clinical manifestations associated with decreased serum calcium and increased serum phosphorus. A decreased serum phosphorus would be seen in hyperparathyroidism, elevated glucose in diabetes, and a decreased serum cortisol level in adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison disease).

A nasal spray of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is used to treat which disorder? a. Hypopituitarism b. Diabetes insipidus c. Acute adrenocortical insufficiency d. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone

ANS: B The drug of choice for the treatment of diabetes insipidus is DDAVP, which is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin. DDAVP is not used to treat hypopituitarism, acute adrenocortical insufficiency, or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.

The nurse is conducting a staff in-service on childhood endocrine disorders. Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of: a. anterior pituitary. b. posterior pituitary. c. adrenal cortex. d. adrenal medulla.

ANS: B The principal disorder of posterior pituitary hypofunction is diabetes insipidus. The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as GH, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin, prolactin, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, sex hormones, and glucocorticoids. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines.

A child with hypopituitarism is being started on growth hormone (GH) therapy. Nursing considerations should be based on which knowledge? a. Treatment is most successful if it is started during adolescence. b. Treatment is considered successful if children attain full stature by adulthood. c. Replacement therapy requires daily subcutaneous injections. d. Replacement therapy will be required throughout the child's lifetime.

ANS: C Additional support is required for children who require hormone replacement therapy, such as preparation for daily subcutaneous injections and education for self-management during the school-age years. Young children, obese children, and those who are severely GH deficient have the best response to therapy. When therapy is successful, children can attain their actual or near-final adult height at a slower rate than their peers. Replacement therapy is not needed after attaining final height. They are no longer GH deficient.

To help the adolescent deal with diabetes, the nurse must 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. Need to make peers aware of the seriousness of hypoglycemic reactions

ANS: C Adolescence is a time when the individual wants 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 and are usually not future oriented. Forcing peer awareness of the seriousness of hypoglycemic reactions would further alienate the adolescent with diabetes. The peer group would focus on the differences.

A parent asks the nurse why self-monitoring of blood glucose is being recommended for her child with diabetes. The nurse should base the explanation on which knowledge? a. It is a less expensive method of testing. b. It is not as accurate as laboratory testing. c. Children are better able to manage the diabetes. d. Parents are better able to manage the disease.

ANS: C Blood glucose self-management has improved diabetes management and can be used successfully by children from the time of diagnosis. Insulin dosages can be adjusted based on blood glucose results. Blood glucose monitoring is more expensive but provides improved management. It is as accurate as equivalent testing done in laboratories. The ability to self-test allows the child to balance diet, exercise, and insulin. The parents are partners in the process, but the child should be taught how to manage the disease.

The nurse is teaching the parents of a child who is receiving methimazole (Tapazole) for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). Which statement made by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. "I would expect my child to gain weight while taking this medication." b. "I would expect my child to experience episodes of ear pain while taking this medication." c. "If my child develops a sore throat and fever, I should contact the physician immediately." d. "If my child develops the stomach flu, my child will need to be hospitalized."

ANS: C Children being treated with Tapazole must be carefully monitored for the side effects of the medication. Parents must be alerted that sore throat and fever accompany the grave complication of leukopenia. These symptoms should be immediately reported. Weight gain, episodes of ear pain, and concern for hospitalization with the stomach flu are not concerns related to taking Tapazole.

The nurse is admitting a toddler with the diagnosis of juvenile hypothyroidism. Which is a common clinical manifestation of this disorder? a. Insomnia b. Diarrhea c. Dry skin d. Accelerated growth

ANS: C Dry skin, mental decline, and myxedematous skin changes are associated with juvenile hypothyroidism. Children with hypothyroidism are usually sleepy. Constipation is associated with hypothyroidism. Decelerated growth is common in juvenile hypothyroidism.

The parents of a child who has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ask about exercise. Which should the nurse explain about exercise in type 1 diabetes? a. Exercise will increase blood glucose. b. Exercise should be restricted. c. Extra snacks are needed before exercise. d. Extra insulin is required during exercise.

ANS: C Exercise lowers blood glucose levels, which can be compensated for by extra snacks. Exercise lowers blood glucose and is encouraged and not restricted, unless indicated by other health conditions. Extra insulin is contraindicated because exercise decreases blood glucose levels.

Parents of a toddler with hypopituitarism ask the nurse, "What can we expect with this condition?" The nurse should respond with which statement? a. Growth is normal during the first 3 years of life. b. Weight is usually more retarded than height. c. Skeletal proportions are normal for age. d. Most of these children have subnormal intelligence.

ANS: C In children with hypopituitarism, the skeletal proportions are normal. Growth is within normal limits for the first year of life. Height is usually more delayed than weight. Intelligence is not affected by hypopituitarism.

Which is characteristic of the immune-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus? a. Ketoacidosis is infrequent. b. Onset is gradual. c. Age at onset is usually younger than 20 years. d. Oral agents are often effective for treatment.

ANS: C The immune-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus typically has its onset in children or young adults. Infrequent ketoacidosis, gradual onset, and effectiveness of oral agents for treatment are more consistent with type 2 diabetes.

Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids are secreted by the: a. thyroid gland. b. parathyroid glands. c. adrenal cortex. d. anterior pituitary.

ANS: C These hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone and thyrocalcitonin. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone. The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as GH, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin, prolactin, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

A child with hypoparathyroidism is receiving vitamin D therapy. The parents should be advised to watch for which sign of vitamin D toxicity? a. Headache and seizures b. Physical restlessness and voracious appetite without weight gain c. Weakness and lassitude d. Anorexia and insomnia

ANS: C Vitamin D toxicity can be a serious consequence of therapy. Parents are advised to watch for signs, including weakness, fatigue, lassitude, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Renal impairment is manifested through polyuria, polydipsia, and nocturia. Headaches may be a sign of vitamin D toxicity, but seizures are not. Physical restlessness and a voracious appetite with weight loss are manifestations of hyperthyroidism. Anorexia and insomnia are not characteristic of vitamin D toxicity.

A nurse is planning care for a school-age child with type 1 diabetes. Which insulin preparations are rapid and short acting? (Select all that apply.) a. Novolin N b. Lantus c. NovoLog d. Novolin R

ANS: C, D Rapid-acting insulin (e.g., NovoLog) reaches the blood within 15 minutes after injection. The insulin peaks 30 to 90 minutes later and may last as long as 5 hours. Short-acting (regular) insulin (e.g., Novolin R) usually reaches the blood within 30 minutes after injection. The insulin peaks 2 to 4 hours later and stays in the blood for about 4 to 8 hours. Intermediate-acting insulins (e.g., Novolin N) 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. Long-acting insulin (e.g., Lantus) takes 6 to 14 hours to start working. It has no peak or a very small peak 10 to 16 hours after injection. The insulin stays in the blood between 20 and 24 hours.

The nurse is caring for a school-age child with hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). Which clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor that may indicate a thyroid storm? (Select all that apply.) a. Constipation b. Hypotension c. Hyperthermia d. Tachycardia e. Vomiting

ANS: C, D, E A child with a thyroid storm will have severe irritability and restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperthermia, hypertension, severe tachycardia, and prostration.

Hyperglycemia associated with diabetic ketoacidosis is defined as a blood glucose measurement equal to or greater than _____ mg/dl. a. 100 b. 120 c. 180 d. 200

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 200 mg/dl. The values 100 mg/dl, 120 mg/dl, and 180 mg/dl are too low for the definition of ketoacidosis.

The nurse is caring for a preschool child with suspected diabetes insipidus. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to observe? a. Oliguria b. Glycosuria c. Nausea and vomiting d. Polyuria and polydipsia

ANS: D Excessive urination accompanied by insatiable thirst is the primary clinical manifestation of diabetes. These symptoms may be so severe that the child does little other than drink and urinate. Oliguria is decreased urine production and is not associated with diabetes insipidus. Glycosuria is associated with diabetes mellitus. Nausea and vomiting are associated with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion.

Which 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.

Which clinical manifestation may occur in the child who is receiving too much methimazole (Tapazole) for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (Graves disease)? a. Seizures b. Enlargement of all lymph glands c. Pancreatitis or cholecystitis d. Lethargy and somnolence

ANS: D Parents should be aware of the signs of hypothyroidism that can occur from overdosage of the drug. The most common manifestations are lethargy and somnolence. Seizures and pancreatitis are not associated with the administration of Tapazole. Enlargement of the salivary and cervical lymph glands occurs.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is suspected in an adolescent. Which clinical manifestation may be present? a. Moist skin b. Weight gain c. Fluid overload d. Poor wound healing

ANS: D Poor wound healing may be present in an individual with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Dry skin, weight loss, and dehydration are clinical manifestations of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

A child will start treatment for precocious puberty. The nurse recognizes that this will involve the injection of which synthetic medication? a. Thyrotropin b. Gonadotropins c. Somatotropic hormone d. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

ANS: D Precocious puberty of central origin is treated with monthly subcutaneous injections of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. Thyrotropin, gonadotropins, and somatotropic hormone are not the appropriate therapies for precocious puberty.

The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old child with type 1 diabetes. The nurse should teach the child to monitor for which manifestation of hypoglycemia? a. Lethargy b. Thirst c. Nausea and vomiting d. Shaky feeling and dizziness

ANS: D Some of the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia include shaky feelings, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, speaking, focusing, or coordinating, sweating, and pallor. Lethargy, thirst, and nausea and vomiting are manifestations of hyperglycemia.

A child eats some sugar cubes after experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. This rapid-releasing sugar should be followed by: a. fat. b. fruit juice. c. several glasses of water. d. complex carbohydrate and protein.

ANS: D Symptoms of hypoglycemia are treated with a rapid-releasing sugar source followed by a complex carbohydrate and protein. Fat, fruit juice, and several glasses of water do not provide the child with complex carbohydrate and protein necessary to stabilize the blood glucose.

The parent of a child with diabetes mellitus asks the nurse when urine testing will be necessary. The nurse should explain that urine testing is necessary for which? a. Glucose is needed before administration of insulin. b. Glucose is needed four times a day. c. Glycosylated hemoglobin is required. d. Ketonuria is suspected.

ANS: D Urine testing is still performed to detect evidence of ketonuria. Urine testing for glucose is no longer indicated because of the poor correlation between blood glucose levels and glycosuria. Glycosylated hemoglobin analysis is performed on a blood sample.