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. 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.

3. What is a key sign of meningitis in an infant?

A. Increased appetite
B. Bulging fontanel
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A bulging fontanel is a key sign of meningitis in infants, indicating increased intracranial pressure due to inflammation of the meninges. This can lead to the fontanel bulging. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased appetite is not typically associated with meningitis in infants; instead, they may have poor feeding. A decreased respiratory rate is not a common sign of meningitis in infants. Elevated blood pressure is also not a typical finding in infants with meningitis.

4. What role do fats play in the human body?

A. They provide a concentrated source of energy.
B. They are the building blocks of enzymes and hormones.
C. They are essential for brain function and development.
D. They aid in the digestion of food.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fats play various essential roles in the human body, one of which is aiding in the digestion of food. While fats do provide a concentrated source of energy, the primary source is carbohydrates. Proteins are the building blocks of enzymes and hormones, not fats. Essential fatty acids found in fats are vital for brain function and development, but this is not the primary role of fats in the body.

5. What should be included in the medical management of a sickle cell crisis?

A. Information for parents on home care
B. Adequate hydration and pain management
C. Pain management and iron supplements
D. Adequate oxygenation and factor VIII

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adequate hydration and pain management. During a sickle cell crisis, it is essential to provide hydration to prevent vaso-occlusive events and manage pain effectively with analgesics. Adequate hydration helps maintain blood flow and prevent further sickling of red blood cells. Pain management is crucial to alleviate the severe pain associated with sickle cell crises. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Providing information for parents on home care (Option A) may be important for ongoing management but is not specific to an acute crisis. Iron supplements (Option C) are not typically indicated during a sickle cell crisis. Adequate oxygenation and factor VIII (Option D) are not primary interventions for managing a sickle cell crisis; instead, oxygen therapy may be considered in severe cases, and factor VIII is not a standard treatment for sickle cell disease.