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?

Question

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

Answer 1

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. Af-ter managing the more serious problems, the nurse would have to assess this patient to determine the etiology of the frequent urination.