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 an essential part of care for a child with asthma during an acute episode?

A. Administer a bronchodilator
B. Provide high doses of steroids
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Restrict all physical activity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is an essential part of caring for a child with asthma during an acute episode because it helps to open airways and relieve acute asthma symptoms effectively. Providing high doses of steroids (Choice B) is typically done in severe cases or when other treatments fail. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can be beneficial to prevent dehydration, but it is not the primary intervention during an acute asthma episode. Restricting all physical activity (Choice D) is not recommended as some physical activity may help improve lung function and overall well-being.

3. What is a common symptom of congenital heart disease in infants?

A. Excessive weight gain
B. Difficulty breathing
C. High blood pressure
D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Difficulty breathing is a common symptom of congenital heart disease in infants. Infants with congenital heart disease may experience difficulty breathing due to impaired cardiac function, which affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This symptom is often due to issues like heart failure or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Excessive weight gain (Choice A) is not typically associated with congenital heart disease in infants. High blood pressure (Choice C) is less common in infants with congenital heart disease compared to adults. Increased appetite (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of congenital heart disease in infants.

4. How should a healthcare provider address a child's nutritional needs with a lactose intolerance diagnosis?

A. Recommend lactose-free dairy products
B. Increase dairy intake
C. Encourage high-fiber diet
D. Use oral probiotics only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In managing lactose intolerance in a child, recommending lactose-free dairy products is crucial. These products help address the child's nutritional needs without causing symptoms related to lactose consumption. Choice B is incorrect because increasing dairy intake would exacerbate symptoms in a lactose-intolerant individual as they cannot digest lactose properly. Choice C, encouraging a high-fiber diet, is not directly related to managing lactose intolerance and may not address the primary issue of lactose malabsorption. Choice D, using oral probiotics only, may not be sufficient to address the child's nutritional needs in case of lactose intolerance as the main concern is avoiding lactose-containing products.

5. What is the primary reason influencing most people's food choices?

A. cost
B. taste
C. convenience
D. nutritional value

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary reason most people choose the foods they eat is taste. While cost, convenience, and nutritional value also play a role in food choices, taste often takes precedence as people are more likely to select foods that they find appealing in flavor. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as taste is the chief factor influencing food choices.