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. Which of the following best describes the purpose of dietary guidelines?

A. To ensure food safety and sanitation.
B. To promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
C. To prevent foodborne illnesses.
D. To provide recommendations for physical activity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.' Dietary guidelines aim to improve public health by providing recommendations on dietary patterns and nutrient intake. While ensuring food safety and sanitation (choice A) is important, it is not the primary purpose of dietary guidelines. Preventing foodborne illnesses (choice C) is more related to food safety practices rather than dietary guidelines. Recommendations for physical activity (choice D) are important for overall health but are separate from dietary guidelines, which primarily focus on nutrition.

3. Which nutrient is an example of a macronutrient?

A. proteins
B. minerals
C. water-soluble vitamins
D. fat-soluble vitamins

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proteins are indeed macronutrients as they are required by the body in larger quantities for various functions such as growth, repair, and energy production. Choice B, minerals, are micronutrients needed in smaller amounts for various physiological processes. Choices C and D, water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins, respectively, are also micronutrients that play essential roles in the body but are not classified as macronutrients.

4. What is one benefit of using controls in an experiment?

A. The size of the groups does not matter.
B. The subjects are unaware of the experiment's details.
C. The subjects who are treated are balanced against the placebos.
D. The subjects are similar in all respects except for the treatment being tested.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Controls in an experiment ensure that the subjects are similar in all respects except for the treatment being tested. This allows for a fair comparison between the treatment group and the control group. Choice A is incorrect because the size of the groups is not the primary benefit of using controls. Choice B is incorrect as blinding, not controls, refers to subjects not knowing about the experiment. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains more to randomization than the use of controls.

5. What should the nurse anticipate as challenging in caring for a child with acute glomerulonephritis?

A. Forced fluids
B. Increased feedings
C. Bed rest
D. Frequent position changes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bed rest. Implementing bed rest can be challenging, especially in active children, but it's necessary to manage the symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis. Forced fluids (choice A) may be required to maintain hydration but are not typically challenging. Increased feedings (choice B) and frequent position changes (choice D) are not primary interventions in the care of a child with acute glomerulonephritis.