what is the main purpose of recommended dietary allowances rdas

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. What is the main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)?

A. To provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people.
B. To specify the minimum amount of nutrients required for survival.
C. To establish maximum safe levels of nutrient intakes.
D. To recommend specific nutrient intake levels to prevent chronic diseases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) is to provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people. Choice B is incorrect because RDAs aim beyond just survival requirements. Choice C is incorrect because establishing maximum safe levels is the role of Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Choice D is incorrect because preventing chronic diseases is more associated with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) like Adequate Intakes (AIs) and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Therefore, the correct answer is A.

2. 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.

3. What should be included in the medical management of a sickle cell crisis?

A. Information for parents on home care
B. Adequate hydration and pain management
C. Pain management and iron supplements
D. Adequate oxygenation and factor VIII

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adequate hydration and pain management. During a sickle cell crisis, it is essential to provide hydration to prevent vaso-occlusive events and manage pain effectively with analgesics. Adequate hydration helps maintain blood flow and prevent further sickling of red blood cells. Pain management is crucial to alleviate the severe pain associated with sickle cell crises. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Providing information for parents on home care (Option A) may be important for ongoing management but is not specific to an acute crisis. Iron supplements (Option C) are not typically indicated during a sickle cell crisis. Adequate oxygenation and factor VIII (Option D) are not primary interventions for managing a sickle cell crisis; instead, oxygen therapy may be considered in severe cases, and factor VIII is not a standard treatment for sickle cell disease.

4. What is the primary goal in managing a child with asthma?

A. Prevent triggering asthma attacks
B. Avoid triggering asthma attacks
C. Administer corticosteroids
D. Increase physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with asthma is to avoid triggering asthma attacks. This involves managing allergens, ensuring proper medication use, and creating an asthma action plan. Choice A is incorrect because the goal is to avoid triggering asthma attacks, not necessarily to prevent recurrent infections. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroids are a treatment option but not the primary goal of asthma management. Choice D is incorrect because although physical activity is important, the primary goal is to prevent asthma attacks and manage symptoms effectively.

5. What is a common complication of untreated asthma in children?

A. Delayed puberty
B. Growth retardation
C. Chronic sinusitis
D. Frequent headaches

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chronic sinusitis. Untreated asthma can lead to chronic sinusitis in children due to prolonged inflammation and infection of the respiratory tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Delayed puberty and growth retardation are not common complications of untreated asthma in children. Frequent headaches may be associated with asthma exacerbations but are not typical long-term complications.