A 14-year-old male patient has not begun puberty. His parents tell the nurse that their son does not want to go to school, because he gets teased

Question

The nurse learns that the boy's father did not begin puberty until age 16 years. Laboratory tests on this child do not reveal true hypogonadism. What will the nurse tell these parents when they ask what can be done for their son?
a. "A limited course of androgen therapy may be prescribed, but it is not necessary."
b. "He will eventually begin puberty, so this is nothing to worry about."
c. "He will probably have to receive injections of androgens for 3 to 4 years."
d. "The risk of accelerated growth plate closure is too great to warrant androgen therapy."

Answer 1

ANS: A
Although treatment is not required in this patient, the psychologic effects of delayed puberty indicate a limited course of androgen therapy. Telling the parents not to worry does not address their concerns. This patient will not be a candidate for long-term androgen replacement therapy. Limited treatment can minimize the risk of epiphyseal closure, especially with close monitoring and radiographs.