A client with excessive production of growth hormone level will likely exhibit which clinical manifestations? Select all that apply

Question

A) Short stature with obesity
B) Large hands and feet due to increased production of GH
C) Excess thirst and urination due to decreased glucose uptake
D) Difficulty chewing food
E) Tendency to develop asthma

Answer 1

Ans: B, C, D
Feedback:
Growth hormone causes increased release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue, leading to increased concentration of free fatty acids in body fluids. In addition, GH exerts multiple effects on carbohydrate metabolism, including decreased glucose uptake by tissues such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, increased glucose production by the liver, and increased insulin secretion. Each of these changes results in GH-induced insulin resistance. Impaired glucose tolerance occurs in as many as 50% to 70% of persons with acromegaly; overt diabetes mellitus subsequently can result. The predominant effect of prolonged growth hormone (GH) excess is to increase glucose levels despite an insulin increase. Persons with classic GH deficiency have normal intelligence, short stature, and obesity with immature facial features. Exceptionally tall children (i.e., genetic tall stature and constitutional tall stature) can be treated with sex hormones—estrogens in girls and testosterone in boys—to effect early epiphyseal closure and stop bone growth.