Which statement best supports a preteen starting growth hormone injections as part of a plan to address height concerns?

• A. "You will grow with this medicine, and are likely to be taller than anyone in your family."
• B. "You must remember that this treatment regimen is not always effective."
• C. "Although being tall is important to you, remember there are far more important characteristics than height."
• D. "Being taller is important to you and taking your injections will help achieve that goal."

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how to support a preteen’s motivation to start a treatment by tying it to a personal goal and presenting the plan in a hopeful, realistic way. The best statement does exactly that: it acknowledges that being taller matters to the child and frames the injections as a tool to help reach that specific goal. This approach supports adherence because it connects the therapy to something meaningful to the patient, while still communicating that the injections are part of a plan rather than a guaranteed outcome.

Why this fits best: it validates the child’s concern about height and references the treatment as a means to achieve that goal, which fosters engagement and ownership of the plan. It also maintains a realistic tone about progress without making absolute promises.

Why the other statements are less fitting: one option makes an unrealistically strong promise about being taller than all family members, which can create false expectations and later disappointment. Another option emphasizes that the treatment isn’t always effective, which could undermine motivation or reduce willingness to adhere to the regimen. The last option shifts the focus away from the goal of height, suggesting there are more important traits, which may dampen motivation to pursue the treatment.

Overall, linking the treatment to the child's own goal in a hopeful but honest way best supports ongoing, collaborative decision-making and adherence.