The nurse is instructing a group of preadolescent males on the influence of testosterone on normal growth and development. What will the nurse include in this teaching?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Testosterone causes the testes, scrotum, and penis to enlarge.
2. Testosterone causes pubic and axillary hair to grow.
3. Testosterone causes the cartilage of the larynx to grow.
4. Testosterone causes an increase in acne.
5. Testosterone levels fluctuate every 28 days.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: Testosterone causes the testes, scrotum, and penis to enlarge until they reach adult proportions.
Rationale 2: Testosterone causes pubic and axillary hair to grow.
Rationale 3: Testosterone causes the cartilage of the larynx to grow, resulting in a deeper male voice.
Rationale 4: Testosterone stimulates sebaceous gland activity, resulting in an increase in the level of acne.
Rationale 5: Testosterone levels remain steady throughout adulthood and begin to decline in older age.
Global Rationale: Testosterone, the primary androgen, is responsible for maturation of the male reproductive system and the secondary sex characteristics of men, such as increasing size of the larynx. It also stimulates sebaceous gland activity, resulting in increase in acne. Testosterone levels remain steady throughout adulthood and begin to decline in older age.