what is the priority assessment for a child with suspected appendicitis

HESI LPN

Nutrition Final Exam

1. What is the priority assessment for a child with suspected appendicitis?

A. Temperature
B. Heart rate
C. Respiratory rate
D. Pain level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority assessment for a child with suspected appendicitis is 'Pain level.' Evaluating the pain level, particularly in the lower right quadrant, is crucial as it helps in determining the severity of the condition, leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Monitoring temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important aspects of assessment; however, they are secondary to assessing the pain level in cases of suspected appendicitis. Pain assessment is key in diagnosing this condition since the classic presentation includes abdominal pain that often starts around the umbilicus and then localizes to the right lower quadrant.

2. Which of the following statements about nutrition is true?

A. Nutrition is the only factor that influences health.
B. Nutrient needs are the same for everyone.
C. Certain nutrients are more important than others.
D. Nutrient recommendations are designed to meet the needs of most healthy people.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Nutrient recommendations are designed to meet the needs of most healthy people, providing guidelines for a balanced diet. Choice A is incorrect because while nutrition plays a crucial role in health, it is not the only factor influencing it. Choice B is incorrect as nutrient needs vary based on factors like age, gender, activity level, and health status. Choice C is incorrect because all nutrients are essential for different bodily functions, and none can be deemed universally more important than others.

3. What is a common symptom of Kawasaki disease?

A. Persistent fever for more than 5 days
B. Excessive vomiting
C. Sudden weight gain
D. Decreased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Persistent fever lasting more than 5 days is a hallmark symptom of Kawasaki disease, often accompanied by rash and conjunctivitis. Excessive vomiting (choice B), sudden weight gain (choice C), and decreased appetite (choice D) are not typically associated with Kawasaki disease. Therefore, choices B, C, and D can be eliminated as they do not align with the common symptoms of Kawasaki disease.

4. What should be assessed in a child with suspected appendicitis?

A. Level of consciousness
B. Bowel sounds and pain location
C. Skin color and temperature
D. Heart rate and blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess bowel sounds and pain location. In a child with suspected appendicitis, focusing on bowel sounds and pain location, particularly in the lower right quadrant, is crucial. This assessment helps to identify symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis. Assessing the level of consciousness (Choice A) is important in other conditions such as head injuries or neurological issues. Skin color and temperature (Choice C) are more indicative of circulatory or skin-related problems. Heart rate and blood pressure (Choice D) are vital signs that are essential to assess in various conditions but are not specific to suspected appendicitis.

5. How is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) typically treated in infants?

A. Keeping the infant NPO
B. Thickening the formula or breast milk with cereal
C. Placing the infant to sleep on the side
D. Switching the infant to cow's milk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thickening the formula or breast milk with cereal is a common treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. By adding cereal, the feedings become heavier, making it less likely for the stomach contents to reflux. Keeping the infant NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary for GER treatment and might not be appropriate. Placing the infant to sleep on the side is not recommended due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Switching the infant to cow's milk is also not a recommended treatment for GER as it can exacerbate symptoms due to its protein content.