Chapter 58: Drugs Related to Hypothalamic and Pituitary Function

Chapter 58: Drugs Related to Hypothalamic and Pituitary Function

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

1. The nurse has just received report and is assuming care of four patients. The nurse would be most concerned about which patient taking human growth hormone?

a.	A patient with a history of growth hormone (GH) deficiency
b.	A patient with a blood glucose level of 82
c.	A patient who complain of frequent urination
d.	A patient with diabetes who has a blood glucose level of 280

 

 

ANS:   D

Growth hormone can significantly elevate the blood glucose level in patients with diabetes; this patient’s blood sugar level should be monitored closely.

A patient with a history of GH deficiency would not be a concern, because this patient is taking GH for management of the deficiency.

A patient with a blood glucose level of 82 would not be a concern; because the patient is taking GH, this blood glucose level will rise.

A patient who complains of frequent urination would not be a priority concern for the nurse. After managing the more serious problems, the nurse would have to assess this patient to determine the etiology of the frequent urination.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    p. 705

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

2. The mother of an 11-year-old is concerned because her child is not as tall as the other children in the class, and she requests that the child be treated with growth hormone. What response should the nurse provide regarding the indications for GH treatment in children?

a.	“The hormone likely will help your child grow about 6 inches.”
b.	“The treatment may be used for some children with short stature who are significantly below the average height for their age and gender.”
c.	“The therapy is provided to children only after epiphyseal closure.”
d.	“Treatment may be provided only if your child has renal failure or cachexia.”

 

 

ANS:   B

To qualify for treatment with GH, children must be 2.25 standard deviations below the mean height for their gender and age, which makes them among the shortest 1.2% of their peers.

The hormone will not make the child grow 6 inches, but only 1 to 3 inches at best.

Therapy typically is provided prior to closure of the epiphyses.

Treatment may be provided for several illnesses, including chronic renal failure and cachexia. However, the child first must meet the age and height requirements. Renal failure does not automatically qualify the child.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 704

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. The nurse is caring for a child with diabetes who is being treated with somatropin (Humatrope). Upon review of the prescriber’s orders, which of the following lab tests, if omitted, would most concern the nurse?

a.	Serum glucose
b.	Renal function
c.	Electrolytes
d.	Liver function

 

 

ANS:   A

Growth hormone can significantly elevate the blood glucose level in patients with diabetes; adequate management of this patient requires close monitoring of the serum glucose.

A renal function test, electrolyte levels, and liver function tests are not indicated.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    p. 705

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies