Precocious Puberty and Role of Pediatric Nurse

Precocious puberty (PP) is the physical and hormonal manifestations of early pubertal development occurring at an earlier age than the normally accepted limit. With this present article it is aimed to increase the awareness of pediatric nurses about PP. In this literatüre review, the definition of PP pathophysiology, etiology, epidemiology, clinic, diagnosis, treatment, nursing initiatives and definitive diagnosis. The early onset of puberty can lead to early growth of the mammals, premature menstruation, growth in the penis and testes in boys, early onset of sperm production and increased libido, due to early closure of the epiphyses in children and short stature in the adult years. Emotional stress or behavioral problems cause psychosocial problems due to incompatibility of physical, hormonal and psychological development. Pediatric nurses have important responsibilities in the early diagnosis of PP children, in the orientation to appropriate centers, in the implementation of school-family cooperation as well as of the application of nursing approaches to the necessary precautions.