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 is a common complication of an untreated inguinal hernia in children?

A. Gastroenteritis
B. Strangulation of the hernia
C. Chronic cough
D. Epistaxis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Strangulation of the hernia. Untreated inguinal hernias in children can lead to strangulation, which can result in bowel obstruction and ischemia. This is a serious complication that requires prompt medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal infection that is not directly related to untreated inguinal hernias. Chronic cough is not typically associated with this condition. Epistaxis refers to nosebleeds, which are not a common complication of untreated inguinal hernias in children.

3. What should be assessed in a child with suspected appendicitis?

A. Level of consciousness
B. Bowel sounds and pain location
C. Skin color and temperature
D. Heart rate and blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess bowel sounds and pain location. In a child with suspected appendicitis, focusing on bowel sounds and pain location, particularly in the lower right quadrant, is crucial. This assessment helps to identify symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis. Assessing the level of consciousness (Choice A) is important in other conditions such as head injuries or neurological issues. Skin color and temperature (Choice C) are more indicative of circulatory or skin-related problems. Heart rate and blood pressure (Choice D) are vital signs that are essential to assess in various conditions but are not specific to suspected appendicitis.

4. What is an essential aspect of managing a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?

A. Encouraging joint mobility and physical therapy
B. Restricting all forms of exercise
C. Increasing sugar intake
D. Using only oral medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging joint mobility and physical therapy is crucial in managing juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This approach helps maintain joint function, reduce stiffness, and improve the overall quality of life for children with JIA. Restricting all forms of exercise (Choice B) is not recommended, as appropriate physical activity is beneficial for joint health and overall well-being. Increasing sugar intake (Choice C) is not a recommended practice for managing JIA, as a healthy diet is important for overall well-being and can help reduce inflammation. Using only oral medications (Choice D) may not be sufficient for managing JIA, as a comprehensive treatment plan often includes a combination of medications, physical therapy, and other interventions to effectively manage the condition.

5. What is a common sign of hypothyroidism in children?

A. Weight loss
B. Increased heart rate
C. Dry skin and constipation
D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dry skin and constipation are typical signs of hypothyroidism in children. Hypothyroidism results from an underactive thyroid gland, leading to symptoms such as dry skin and constipation. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive. Increased heart rate (Choice B) and elevated blood pressure (Choice D) are also more characteristic of hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism. Therefore, the correct answer is dry skin and constipation (Choice C) when identifying signs of hypothyroidism in children.