A 12-year-old male has short stature because of a constitutional growth delay. What should the nurse be the most concerned about?

A) Proper administration of thyroid hormone
B) Proper administration of human growth hormones
C) Child's self-esteem and sense of competence
D) Helping child understand that his height is most likely caused by chronic illness and is not his fault

Most cases of constitutional growth delay are caused by simple constitutional delay of puberty, and the child can be assured that normal development will eventually take place. Listening to distressed adolescents and conveying interest and concern are important interventions for these children and adolescents. They should be encouraged to focus on the positive aspects of their bodies and personalities. Thyroid hormones and human growth hormones would not be beneficial in a constitutional growth delay. A constitutional growth delay is not caused by a chronic illness.