how should a nurse manage a child with a new diagnosis of sickle cell anemia

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. How should a caregiver manage a child with a new diagnosis of sickle cell anemia?

A. Ensure the child receives frequent blood transfusions
B. Promote adequate hydration and pain management
C. Restrict physical activity
D. Administer high doses of vitamin C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Promoting adequate hydration and pain management is crucial for managing sickle cell anemia to prevent crises and complications. Adequate hydration helps prevent sickling of red blood cells, while effective pain management is essential for addressing the frequent pain episodes associated with the condition. Ensuring the child receives frequent blood transfusions is not the initial management for sickle cell anemia; transfusions are usually reserved for specific complications. Restricting physical activity should be individualized based on the child's condition; some physical activity is beneficial for overall health. Administering high doses of vitamin C is not a standard treatment for sickle cell anemia and does not address the underlying pathology of the disease.

2. What should be monitored closely in a child receiving chemotherapy?

A. Blood glucose levels
B. White blood cell count
C. Blood pressure
D. Heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: White blood cell count. During chemotherapy, it is crucial to monitor the white blood cell count closely to detect potential neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and the associated risk of infections. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice A) is important for diabetic management and not directly related to chemotherapy. Blood pressure (Choice C) and heart rate (Choice D) are essential vital signs to monitor but are not the primary focus when monitoring a child receiving chemotherapy.

3. 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.

4. How should a caregiver handle a child with a known peanut allergy?

A. Educate on allergen avoidance
B. Increase exposure to peanuts
C. Administer antihistamines as needed
D. Suggest occasional consumption of peanuts

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Educating on allergen avoidance is the correct approach when dealing with a child who has a known peanut allergy. This helps in managing the allergy effectively and preventing potential allergic reactions. Increasing exposure to peanuts (Choice B) is dangerous and can trigger severe allergic reactions in a child with a peanut allergy. While antihistamines (Choice C) can help alleviate some symptoms, they should not be the primary method of managing a peanut allergy. Suggesting occasional consumption of peanuts (Choice D) is extremely risky and should never be done for a child with a known peanut allergy.

5. What is the primary goal in managing a child with cystic fibrosis?

A. Increase dietary fat intake
B. Prevent lung infections
C. Increase physical activity
D. Ensure high protein intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with cystic fibrosis is to prevent lung infections. Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to thick mucus buildup in the lungs, which increases the risk of infections. Preventing lung infections through proper respiratory care, medications, airway clearance techniques, and vaccinations is crucial in managing cystic fibrosis. While dietary interventions like increasing dietary fat intake, ensuring high protein intake, and promoting physical activity are also important aspects of cystic fibrosis management, preventing lung infections takes precedence as it directly addresses a major complication of the condition.