what is the primary role of dietary guidelines

HESI LPN

Nutrition Final Exam

1. 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.

2. Parents of a 6-month-old child, diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, ask why it was not diagnosed earlier. What should the nurse say?

A. Are you sure your child has iron deficiency anemia?
B. Maternal stores of iron are depleted at about 6 months.
C. This anemia is caused by blood loss.
D. The child may not have had it for a long time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Maternal stores of iron are depleted at about 6 months.' Iron deficiency anemia becomes apparent around 6 months of age when the infant's iron stores, primarily received from the mother during pregnancy, are depleted. This timing coincides with the introduction of solid foods, which may lack sufficient iron. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific reason why iron deficiency anemia is typically diagnosed around 6 months of age.

3. What is the main purpose of the initial assessment of a child with a suspected fracture?

A. To determine the type of fracture
B. To check for potential complications
C. To identify the cause of the injury
D. To plan for long-term rehabilitation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of the initial assessment of a child with a suspected fracture is to check for potential complications, such as neurovascular impairment, and to ensure appropriate treatment. Choice A is incorrect because determining the type of fracture usually requires imaging studies like X-rays, which may not be part of the initial assessment. Choice C is incorrect because identifying the cause of the injury is important for the history-taking part but may not be the main purpose of the initial assessment. Choice D is incorrect because long-term rehabilitation planning typically occurs after the acute phase of fracture management.

4. What is a common symptom of congenital heart disease in infants?

A. Excessive weight gain
B. Difficulty breathing
C. High blood pressure
D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Difficulty breathing is a common symptom of congenital heart disease in infants. Infants with congenital heart disease may experience difficulty breathing due to impaired cardiac function, which affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This symptom is often due to issues like heart failure or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Excessive weight gain (Choice A) is not typically associated with congenital heart disease in infants. High blood pressure (Choice C) is less common in infants with congenital heart disease compared to adults. Increased appetite (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of congenital heart disease in infants.

5. What dietary recommendation is essential for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

A. High-protein diet
B. Low-fat diet
C. Low-phenylalanine diet
D. High-fiber diet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Low-phenylalanine diet.' Children with phenylketonuria (PKU) need to follow a low-phenylalanine diet to manage the condition. Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in protein-containing foods, and individuals with PKU have difficulty metabolizing it, leading to neurological damage and other complications. Therefore, restricting phenylalanine intake is crucial. Choice A, 'High-protein diet,' is incorrect because high protein intake would increase phenylalanine levels, worsening the condition. Choice B, 'Low-fat diet,' and Choice D, 'High-fiber diet,' are not the primary focus for PKU patients. The key dietary intervention for PKU is controlling phenylalanine intake, which is best achieved through a low-phenylalanine diet.