A child has been prescribed to begin treatment with somatropin for growth deficiency. His mom asks how long he will need to take this medication.

What is the nurse’s best response?

Choice A reason: Excessive urination is a sign of hyperglycemia because the body tries to flush out the excess glucose in the blood through the urine. This can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice B reason: Excessive thirst is a sign of hyperglycemia because the body loses fluid and becomes dehydrated due to frequent urination. The thirst mechanism is activated to replenish the fluid loss.

Choice C reason: Diaphoresis is not a sign of hyperglycemia, but rather a sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can cause sweating, shakiness, anxiety, and confusion.

Choice D reason: Atrial fibrillation is not a sign of hyperglycemia, but rather a possible complication of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can damage the blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

Choice E reason: Excessive hunger is a sign of hyperglycemia because the body is unable to use the glucose in the blood for energy. The cells are starved of fuel, and the hunger signal is triggered to stimulate food intake..

Choice A reason: How to check apical heart rate is not a priority education for this client. Apical heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute that can be heard at the apex of the heart. It can be used to monitor the effect of cardiac medications, such as atenolol or digoxin. This client is taking atenolol, but the nurse can check the client's radial pulse (at the wrist) instead of the apical pulse, unless there is a discrepancy or an irregular rhythm. The nurse should teach the client how to check their radial pulse and report any changes or symptoms.

Choice B reason: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are not a priority education for this client. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and energy of the body. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and depression. This client is not taking any medication that affects the thyroid function, and there is no evidence of hypothyroidism in the client's history or labs. The nurse should assess the client's thyroid function and teach the client about the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Choice C reason: Bleeding precautions are a priority education for this client. Bleeding precautions are measures to prevent or minimize bleeding in clients who are at risk of bleeding, such as those who are taking anticoagulants, have low platelets, or have bleeding disorders. This client is taking warfarin, an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding.

Choice D reason: Increasing potassium rich foods in the diet is not a priority education for this client. Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body. Potassium levels can be affected by medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or potassium supplements. This client is taking captopril, an ACE inhibitor that can increase the potassium level in the blood. The client's potassium level is normal (4.8 mmol/L), and there is no need to increase the intake of potassium rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, or beans. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level and teach the client about the signs and symptoms of high or low potassium, such as muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, or numbness.