what is a common sign of hypothyroidism in children

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. 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.

2. What is critical for preventing complications in an infant with hypothyroidism?

A. Excessive growth
B. Cognitive impairment
C. Damage to the nervous system
D. Damage to the urinary system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cognitive impairment. In infants with hypothyroidism, prompt administration of oral thyroid hormone replacement is crucial to prevent cognitive impairment and other serious complications. Excessive growth (choice A) is not a typical complication of hypothyroidism in infants. While hypothyroidism can affect the nervous system (choice C), cognitive impairment is more specific to untreated cases. Damage to the urinary system (choice D) is not a common complication of hypothyroidism in infants.

3. What is the term for the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius?

A. Calorie
B. Joule
C. Kilojoule
D. Kilocalorie

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Kilocalorie. The term kilocalorie, often referred to as a calorie, is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. While Choice A, Calorie, is technically correct, it is not the most specific term for the described amount of heat. Choice B, Joule, is a unit of energy but not specifically related to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of water. Choice C, Kilojoule, is also a unit of energy but not the precise term for the heat required to raise the temperature of water by one degree Celsius.

4. 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.

5. 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.