PEN 340 – Pediatric Endocrine in Nursing
ACTUAL UPDATED QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Explain the anatomy and physiology of the pediatric endocrine system and its developmental
differences.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
The pediatric endocrine system consists of glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal,
pancreas, and gonads that regulate growth, metabolism, and development. In children,
hormone secretion is tightly regulated to support growth spurts, sexual maturation, and organ
development. Neonates and infants have immature regulatory mechanisms, making them
more susceptible to hormonal imbalances. Nurses must understand these differences to
recognize deviations early. Proper knowledge allows timely interventions to prevent long-
term growth or developmental complications.
Discuss the nursing assessment of pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
GHD presents with short stature, delayed bone age, and delayed puberty. Assessment
includes detailed growth history, plotting height and weight on growth charts, and evaluating
family history. Laboratory investigations measure serum growth hormone and IGF-1 levels,
while imaging may assess pituitary anatomy. Nurses monitor growth trends, coordinate with
endocrinologists, and provide education to families about daily growth hormone injections.
Early identification improves final adult height and psychosocial outcomes.
Explain the pathophysiology, recognition, and management of pediatric hypothyroidism.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones,
leading to slow metabolism. Clinical signs include lethargy, poor feeding in infants, delayed
growth, constipation, dry skin, and coarse hair. Management involves lifelong thyroid
hormone replacement therapy, monitoring TSH and T4 levels, and adjusting dosages
according to growth. Nurses educate caregivers about medication adherence, signs of hypo-
or hyperthyroidism, and the importance of regular follow-up. Early treatment prevents
intellectual impairment and promotes normal growth and development.
Describe the assessment and care for children with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease).
, CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Hyperthyroidism involves excess thyroid hormone production, increasing metabolism and
cardiovascular workload. Children may present with weight loss despite increased appetite,
rapid heart rate, heat intolerance, tremors, and behavioral changes. Nursing care includes
monitoring vital signs, administering antithyroid medications, supporting nutrition, and
educating families on medication adherence and symptom monitoring. Nurses also prepare
children for potential radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Early intervention prevents
cardiac complications and supports normal growth.
Discuss the nursing management of pediatric diabetes mellitus type 1.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin
deficiency. Children present with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, and fatigue.
Nursing management includes blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary
counseling, and education on sick-day management. Nurses also teach families about
recognizing and managing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Comprehensive care reduces
complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and promotes normal growth and development.
Explain the recognition and nursing care of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
DKA is a life-threatening complication characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia,
metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Children may present with
vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations), and altered
consciousness. Nursing interventions include close monitoring of vital signs, fluid and
electrolyte replacement, insulin therapy, and frequent blood glucose and ketone checks.
Education for caregivers on early recognition, prevention, and adherence to insulin therapy is
essential. Prompt treatment prevents cerebral edema, shock, and death.
Describe the assessment and management of pediatric adrenal insufficiency.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate cortisol and
aldosterone. Signs include fatigue, hypotension, vomiting, hypoglycemia, and
hyperpigmentation in chronic cases. Nursing care involves administering corticosteroid
replacement, monitoring electrolytes and blood pressure, and providing emergency education
for stress dosing during illness. Nurses educate families on recognizing adrenal crisis,
medication adherence, and carrying emergency injection kits. Early recognition and
management prevent life-threatening complications.
ACTUAL UPDATED QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Explain the anatomy and physiology of the pediatric endocrine system and its developmental
differences.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
The pediatric endocrine system consists of glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal,
pancreas, and gonads that regulate growth, metabolism, and development. In children,
hormone secretion is tightly regulated to support growth spurts, sexual maturation, and organ
development. Neonates and infants have immature regulatory mechanisms, making them
more susceptible to hormonal imbalances. Nurses must understand these differences to
recognize deviations early. Proper knowledge allows timely interventions to prevent long-
term growth or developmental complications.
Discuss the nursing assessment of pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
GHD presents with short stature, delayed bone age, and delayed puberty. Assessment
includes detailed growth history, plotting height and weight on growth charts, and evaluating
family history. Laboratory investigations measure serum growth hormone and IGF-1 levels,
while imaging may assess pituitary anatomy. Nurses monitor growth trends, coordinate with
endocrinologists, and provide education to families about daily growth hormone injections.
Early identification improves final adult height and psychosocial outcomes.
Explain the pathophysiology, recognition, and management of pediatric hypothyroidism.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones,
leading to slow metabolism. Clinical signs include lethargy, poor feeding in infants, delayed
growth, constipation, dry skin, and coarse hair. Management involves lifelong thyroid
hormone replacement therapy, monitoring TSH and T4 levels, and adjusting dosages
according to growth. Nurses educate caregivers about medication adherence, signs of hypo-
or hyperthyroidism, and the importance of regular follow-up. Early treatment prevents
intellectual impairment and promotes normal growth and development.
Describe the assessment and care for children with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease).
, CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Hyperthyroidism involves excess thyroid hormone production, increasing metabolism and
cardiovascular workload. Children may present with weight loss despite increased appetite,
rapid heart rate, heat intolerance, tremors, and behavioral changes. Nursing care includes
monitoring vital signs, administering antithyroid medications, supporting nutrition, and
educating families on medication adherence and symptom monitoring. Nurses also prepare
children for potential radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Early intervention prevents
cardiac complications and supports normal growth.
Discuss the nursing management of pediatric diabetes mellitus type 1.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin
deficiency. Children present with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, and fatigue.
Nursing management includes blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary
counseling, and education on sick-day management. Nurses also teach families about
recognizing and managing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Comprehensive care reduces
complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and promotes normal growth and development.
Explain the recognition and nursing care of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
DKA is a life-threatening complication characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia,
metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Children may present with
vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations), and altered
consciousness. Nursing interventions include close monitoring of vital signs, fluid and
electrolyte replacement, insulin therapy, and frequent blood glucose and ketone checks.
Education for caregivers on early recognition, prevention, and adherence to insulin therapy is
essential. Prompt treatment prevents cerebral edema, shock, and death.
Describe the assessment and management of pediatric adrenal insufficiency.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate cortisol and
aldosterone. Signs include fatigue, hypotension, vomiting, hypoglycemia, and
hyperpigmentation in chronic cases. Nursing care involves administering corticosteroid
replacement, monitoring electrolytes and blood pressure, and providing emergency education
for stress dosing during illness. Nurses educate families on recognizing adrenal crisis,
medication adherence, and carrying emergency injection kits. Early recognition and
management prevent life-threatening complications.
