how should a nurse respond to a parent concerned about their childs weight gain

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. How should a healthcare professional respond to a parent concerned about their child's weight gain?

A. Provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity
B. Suggest restrictive dieting
C. Recommend increased caloric intake
D. Avoid discussing the issue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a parent expresses concern about their child's weight gain, the most appropriate response is to provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity. This approach promotes healthy weight management and overall well-being. Suggesting restrictive dieting (Choice B) can be harmful, especially for children, as it may lead to unhealthy relationships with food and potential nutritional deficiencies. Recommending increased caloric intake (Choice C) without proper assessment and guidance can exacerbate the issue. Avoiding discussing the issue (Choice D) neglects a critical opportunity to address the parent's concerns and support the child's health.

2. Which characteristic is most typical of a chronic disease?

A. It has a rapid onset.
B. It rarely has noticeable symptoms.
C. It produces sharp pains.
D. It progresses gradually.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Chronic diseases are characterized by a gradual progression over time, affecting individuals for an extended period. Option A is incorrect as chronic diseases do not have a rapid onset like acute conditions. Option B is incorrect as chronic diseases often manifest noticeable symptoms. Option C is incorrect as sharp pains are not a defining characteristic of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases can present a variety of symptoms depending on the specific condition, but gradual progression is a common feature distinguishing them from acute illnesses.

3. What is the primary role of dietary guidelines?

A. To ensure that all food groups are consumed in appropriate proportions.
B. To prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
C. To help individuals meet their nutritional needs while reducing the risk of chronic disease.
D. To offer specific recommendations for the intake of nutrients that support health.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To help individuals meet their nutritional needs while reducing the risk of chronic disease.' Dietary guidelines are designed to provide guidance on the types and amounts of food that support good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Choice A has been corrected to mention 'appropriate proportions' instead of 'equal amounts,' as dietary guidelines emphasize balance and variety. Choice B is partially correct, but the primary focus of dietary guidelines is on meeting nutritional needs. Choice D is incorrect because while dietary guidelines may include nutrient recommendations, their primary focus is on overall dietary patterns rather than specific nutrient intake.

4. Which statement best describes the relationship between diet and chronic diseases?

A. Diet has no impact on chronic diseases.
B. A poor diet can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.
C. Diet is the sole cause of chronic diseases.
D. A balanced diet can help prevent or manage chronic diseases.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer. A poor diet can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases due to the lack of essential nutrients or the presence of harmful components like excessive sugar, salt, or saturated fats. While diet plays a significant role in the development of chronic diseases, it is not the sole cause (choice C). Choice A is incorrect because diet does indeed have a significant impact on chronic diseases. Choice D is not the best answer as it does not acknowledge the negative impact of a poor diet on chronic diseases.

5. What is the primary purpose of a placebo in an experiment?

A. To reduce the cost of the experiment.
B. To make the experiment double-blind.
C. To increase the number of participants.
D. To serve as a control for comparison with the treatment group.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A placebo serves as a control for comparison with the treatment group, helping to eliminate bias and ensure the results are due to the treatment itself. Placebos are crucial in research to distinguish the actual effect of the treatment from psychological or subjective factors. Choice A is incorrect because the purpose of a placebo is not related to reducing the cost of the experiment. Choice B is incorrect because while placebos are used in double-blind studies, their primary purpose is not to make the experiment double-blind. Choice C is incorrect because the purpose of a placebo is not to increase the number of participants but rather to serve as a comparison group for the treatment being tested.