Type 1 diabetes mellitus is suspected in a child. Which clinical manifestation may be present?

Choice A reason:

Opioid analgesics are not given as a last resort solely because of the threat of addiction. While the risk of addiction is a concern, opioids are often necessary for managing severe pain, especially in conditions like sickle cell anemia. The American Society of Hematology guidelines emphasize the importance of effective pain management in sickle cell disease, which often includes the use of opioids. The goal is to manage pain effectively while monitoring for signs of misuse or addiction.

Choice B reason:

Opioid analgesics are often ordered and are usually needed for managing severe pain in patients with sickle cell anemia. Pain episodes in sickle cell disease can be extremely severe and debilitating, requiring potent analgesics like morphine for relief. The management of acute vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease often necessitates the use of opioids to provide adequate pain control.

Choice C reason:

Opioid analgesics, when medically indicated and used under proper medical supervision, rarely cause addiction. The risk of addiction is significantly lower when opioids are used appropriately for pain management in a controlled medical setting. The Mayo Clinic highlights that while opioids have addictive properties, their medical use for pain relief, especially in acute settings, is generally safe when monitored by healthcare professionals.

Choice D reason:

Opioid analgesics are not used only if other measures, such as ice packs, are ineffective. While non-pharmacological measures can be part of pain management, opioids are often necessary for managing severe pain episodes in sickle cell disease. The use of opioids is based on the severity of the pain and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.

Choice A reason:

Reducing blood pressure is not a primary management goal for nephrotic syndrome in children. While hypertension can be a complication of nephrotic syndrome, the main focus of treatment is on managing proteinuria, edema, and preventing complications. Blood pressure management may be necessary, but it is not the primary goal.

Choice B reason:

Increasing the excretion of urinary protein is not a desired goal in the management of nephrotic syndrome. In fact, one of the main objectives is to reduce proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine) because it leads to hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood) and edema. Therefore, increasing urinary protein excretion would worsen the condition.

Choice C reason:

Increasing the ability of tissues to retain fluid is not a management goal for nephrotic syndrome. The condition is characterized by edema due to fluid retention, and the goal is to reduce this edema by managing proteinuria and using diuretics if necessary. Therefore, increasing fluid retention would be counterproductive.

Choice D reason:

Reducing the excretion of urinary protein is a primary management goal for nephrotic syndrome1. Proteinuria is a hallmark of the condition, and reducing it helps to alleviate hypoalbuminemia and edema. Treatment often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and protein leakage, as well as other medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.