a health magazine contacts you for your expert opinion on what measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the populati

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. Which measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population?

A. The Dietary Reference Intakes, as they provide a set of nutrient intake values for healthy people in the United States and Canada
B. The Tolerable Upper Intake levels, as they indicate the maximum daily amount of a nutrient considered safe for most healthy people
C. The Estimated Average Requirements, as they reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed to maintain a specific function in half of the healthy individuals of a population
D. The Recommended Dietary Allowances, as they represent the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy individuals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the best measure to describe the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population. RDAs represent the average daily intake level that meets the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice A, the Dietary Reference Intakes, provide a set of nutrient intake values but do not specifically address the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate for practically all individuals. Choice B, the Tolerable Upper Intake levels, focus on the maximum daily amount of a nutrient deemed safe for most healthy people, not the average daily amount needed. Choice C, the Estimated Average Requirements, reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed by half of the healthy individuals, which is not as comprehensive as the RDAs that cater to nearly all healthy people.

2. Your friend Carrie took a daily supplement of vitamin C and tells you that she feels a lot better. Her statement to you is best described as what?

A. an anecdote
B. theory
C. interpretation
D. conclusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'an anecdote.' An anecdote is a personal account or experience, not necessarily backed by scientific evidence. In this case, Carrie's statement about feeling better after taking vitamin C is based on her personal experience and does not constitute scientific evidence or a generalizable conclusion. Choice B, 'theory,' would imply a systematic explanation based on scientific evidence, which is not the case here. Choice C, 'interpretation,' typically involves explaining or understanding something based on available information, not a personal account. Choice D, 'conclusion,' would be a general statement derived from specific information or facts, which is not applicable in this context.

3. The motive for a person who alters their diet due to religious convictions is most likely related to their ___.

A. values
B. body image
C. ethnic heritage
D. functional association

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'values.' When individuals alter their diet due to religious convictions, it is primarily driven by their personal or cultural values associated with their faith. This choice reflects the strong influence that religious beliefs can have on dietary choices. Choice B, 'body image,' is incorrect because altering one's diet for religious reasons is more about spiritual beliefs than physical appearance. Choice C, 'ethnic heritage,' is incorrect as it pertains more to cultural background rather than religious convictions. Choice D, 'functional association,' is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the motivation behind altering one's diet for religious reasons.

4. What type of nutrient is needed by the body and must be supplied by foods?

A. nutraceutical
B. metabolic nutrient
C. organic nutrient
D. essential nutrient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, essential nutrient. Essential nutrients are substances that the body needs for normal functioning but cannot produce in sufficient amounts, so they must be obtained through the diet. Nutraceuticals (choice A) are products derived from food sources that are purported to provide extra health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Metabolic nutrients (choice B) and organic nutrients (choice C) are not standard terms used to describe nutrients needed by the body. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

5. How should hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting be assessed?

A. Monitor skin turgor and mucous membranes
B. Measure blood glucose levels
C. Check for signs of jaundice
D. Assess respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To assess hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting, monitoring skin turgor and mucous membranes is essential. Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to change shape and return to normal; poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration. Mucous membranes, such as the mouth and eyes, can also provide valuable information about hydration levels. Measuring blood glucose levels (Choice B) is not directly related to assessing hydration status. Checking for signs of jaundice (Choice C) is important for liver-related issues, not hydration assessment. Assessing respiratory rate (Choice D) is crucial for evaluating respiratory function, not hydration status.