Endocrine Flashcards
When do most endocrine glands develop?
During the first trimester
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Also known as hypopituitarism or dwarfism, is characterized by poor growth and short stature
S/Sx of Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Prominent subcutaneous deposits of abdominal fat
- Child-like face with a large, prominent forehead
- High-pitched voice
- Delayed sexual maturation
- Delayed dentition
- Delayed skeletal maturation
- Decreased muscle mass
When does a Growth Hormone Deficiency becomes apparent?
May start with a normal birth weight and length but is less than 3% on the growth chart by 3 years of age
Causes of Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Tumor
- Infection
- Infarction
- Irradiation in utero
- Trauma during or after birth
- Genetics
- Idiopathic
- Emotional or nutritional deprivation which suppresses the production of pituitary hormones (but this is reversible)
Growth Hormone Deficiency Diagnostics
- Bone age test
- CT/MRI to rule out tumors
- Pituitary function test
Growth Hormone Deficiency Treatment
- Tumor removal (if applicable)
2. Supplemental GH
When do we stop administering supplemental GH to a patient with growth hormone deficiency?
When the growth plates fuse
Growth Hormone Deficiency Nursing Management
- F/U appointments with endocrinologist every 3-6 months
- Growth plotting every 3-6 months
- Assessing adequate nutrition
- Evaluate for learning problems
- Communicate in an age appropriate manner
- Medication compliance
- Encourage participation in sports that are not height dependent
- Support groups
Precocious Puberty
In precocious puberty, the child develops sexual characteristics before the usual age of pubertal onset.
S/Sx of Precocious Puberty
- Acne
- Adult body odor
- Accelerated rate of growth
- Breast development
- Pubic hair
- Advanced genitalia maturation, but does not typically display sexual behavior
- Emotional lability
- Aggressive behavior
- Mood swings
When does precocious puberty typically present?
In girls: 6-7 years
In boys: younger than 9
Precocious Puberty Causes
- Tumor
- Radiation
- Infection
Why is it necessary to treat precocious puberty?
Because without treatment, the child may become fertile (girls will start menstruation)
Precocious Puberty Diagnostics
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Serum hormone values
- CT/MRI
Precocious Puberty Treatment
Aimed at determining and treating the cause and halting sexual development
- GnRH analog: suppresses gonadotropin release
- Medroxyprogesterone (depo-provera) prevents menstruation
Precocious Puberty Nursing Interventions
- Medication compliance
- F/U appointments every 6 months
- Monitor for behavior changes
- Provide sexual education at discontinuation of treatment or if sexual behavior is suspected
- Communicate with child at age-appropriate level
- Counseling
Delayed Puberty
- Characterized by delayed secondary sexual development
- These children usually end up developing normally, just at a later age