A 10 year old boy is being started on growth hormone therapy for diagnosed growth hormone deficiency. The parents ask you if he will have to be on growth hormone injections for his whole life. The best response from the nurse is:

Rationale: A. "No, the endocrinologist will stop treatment when epiphyseal plates are closed.": Growth hormone therapy is typically discontinued once the child’s growth plates (epiphyseal plates) close, signaling the end of linear growth. B. "No, the endocrinologist will stop treatment at the first signs of puberty.": Treatment is not usually stopped simply at the onset of puberty because growth can continue during puberty until the growth plates close. Stopping too early may prevent reaching full growth potential. C. "Yes, since your son does not make growth hormone on his own he will need to continue this medication for life.": Life-long therapy is generally reserved for adults with growth hormone deficiency, not for children starting treatment. Pediatric therapy focuses on growth until skeletal maturity is reached. D. "Yes, he will need this therapy for life, but the injections will get easier to administer as he gets older.": Life-long therapy is not required for children with isolated growth hormone deficiency; treatment usually ends at skeletal maturity rather than continuing indefinitely.