A nurse is assessing a pediatric patient with suspected endocrine dysfunction. Which statement best reflects an understanding of the role of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis and regulating body functions?

A. This describes the nervous system, not the endocrine system. The endocrine system communicates chemically via hormones, not electrical nerve impulses. B. The endocrine system uses both negative and positive feedback mechanisms, with negative feedback being the primary method to maintain homeostasis. Sole reliance on positive feedback would not accurately regulate body functions. C. The endocrine system consists of glands (such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas) that release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act on specific target organs to regulate processes like growth, metabolism, fluid balance, and development, maintaining the body's internal balance (homeostasis). This is the fundamental role of the endocrine system. D. This describes the exocrine function of organs like the pancreas, not the endocrine system. The endocrine system does not produce digestive enzymes, although it does influence metabolism via hormones.