A child who is small-for-age is to receive supplemental injections of growth hormone. The mother of the client asks, "Why does my child have to take these shots?

Question

I read in the paper that hormones are dangerous." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
1. "There are some hormones that are dangerous, but the shot your child will receive is not one of them."
2. "Are you worried that your child will get hooked on drugs?"
3. "Your child's pituitary gland is not making enough growth hormone. This hormone makes bones and muscles grow to normal size. The shots are safe."
4. "Your child's parathyroid glands are not making enough of a hormone called GH. The injection is very safe."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Supplemental growth hormone is administered to children who have low GH levels. There are real concerns with all hormone therapies, because the differences between too much, too little, and the right amount are very small.
Rationale 2: Reflection of the question back to the speaker can be therapeutic if the nurse believes that anxiety is high. However, this parent's question is a straightforward request for information. Physical or psychological dependence is not a concern.
Rationale 3: It is incorrect to state that the injections are safe.
Rationale 4: Growth hormone is not controlled by the parathyroid glands. It is incorrect to state that the injections are very safe.
Global Rationale: Supplemental growth hormone is administered to children who have low GH levels. There are real concerns with all hormone therapies, because the differences between too much, too little, and the right amount are very small. Reflection of the question back to the speaker can be therapeutic if the nurse believes that anxiety is high. However, this parent's question is a straightforward request for information. Physical or psychological dependence is not a concern. Growth hormone is not controlled by the parathyroid glands. It is incorrect to state that the injections are very safe.