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. A weight reduction regimen calls for a daily intake of 1400 kilocalories, which includes 30 grams of fat. What percentage of the total energy is contributed by fat?

A. 8.50%
B. 15.00%
C. 19.00%
D. 25.50%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To calculate the percentage of total energy contributed by fat, first determine the energy from fat by multiplying the fat amount (30g) by the energy density of fat (9 kcal/g), which equals 270 kcal. Then, divide the energy from fat (270 kcal) by the total energy intake (1400 kcal) and multiply by 100 to find the percentage: (270 kcal / 1400 kcal) * 100 = 19.29% ≈ 19.00%. Therefore, fat contributes approximately 19% of the total energy in the diet. Choice A (8.50%) is too low, while choices B (15.00%) and D (25.50%) are incorrect calculations based on the given information.

3. What is a primary goal of managing diabetes mellitus in children?

A. Promote weight maintenance
B. Prevent episodes of hypoglycemia
C. Ensure normal growth and development
D. Optimize blood sugar control

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of managing diabetes mellitus in children is to ensure normal growth and development. This involves maintaining stable blood glucose levels to prevent complications. Option A is incorrect because promoting weight gain is not a primary goal in managing diabetes; rather, the aim is to maintain a healthy weight. Option B is not the primary goal; although it is important to prevent episodes of hypoglycemia, the main focus is on overall management. Option D is incorrect as optimizing blood sugar control is a means to achieve the primary goal, which is ensuring normal growth and development.

4. What is an important dietary consideration for a child with renal failure?

A. Low-protein, low-sodium diet
B. High-protein, high-sodium diet
C. Increased calcium intake
D. High-fiber diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low-protein, low-sodium diet is crucial for a child with renal failure because it helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and minimize complications. High-protein and high-sodium diets can place excessive strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. Increased calcium intake is not typically a primary consideration for renal failure in children. While a high-fiber diet can be beneficial for overall health, it is not a specific priority for managing renal failure in children.

5. What is one benefit of using a large sample size in an experiment?

A. Chance variation is less likely to affect the results.
B. The possibility of a placebo effect is eliminated.
C. The experiment will be double-blind.
D. The control group will be similar to the experimental group.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Using a large sample size reduces the likelihood of chance variation affecting the results, providing more reliable data. Choice B is incorrect because the placebo effect is related to participants' beliefs, not sample size. Choice C is incorrect as double-blind refers to a method of reducing bias, not directly related to sample size. Choice D is incorrect because the similarity between the control and experimental groups is not solely dependent on sample size.