what should a nurse assess in a child with suspected appendicitis

HESI LPN

Nutrition Final Exam

1. 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.

2. What is a key sign of meningitis in an infant?

A. Increased appetite
B. Bulging fontanel
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A bulging fontanel is a key sign of meningitis in infants, indicating increased intracranial pressure due to inflammation of the meninges. This can lead to the fontanel bulging. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased appetite is not typically associated with meningitis in infants; instead, they may have poor feeding. A decreased respiratory rate is not a common sign of meningitis in infants. Elevated blood pressure is also not a typical finding in infants with meningitis.

3. Which measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population?

A. The Dietary Reference Intakes, as they provide a set of nutrient intake values for healthy people in the United States and Canada
B. The Tolerable Upper Intake levels, as they indicate the maximum daily amount of a nutrient considered safe for most healthy people
C. The Estimated Average Requirements, as they reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed to maintain a specific function in half of the healthy individuals of a population
D. The Recommended Dietary Allowances, as they represent the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy individuals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the best measure to describe the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population. RDAs represent the average daily intake level that meets the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice A, the Dietary Reference Intakes, provide a set of nutrient intake values but do not specifically address the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate for practically all individuals. Choice B, the Tolerable Upper Intake levels, focus on the maximum daily amount of a nutrient deemed safe for most healthy people, not the average daily amount needed. Choice C, the Estimated Average Requirements, reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed by half of the healthy individuals, which is not as comprehensive as the RDAs that cater to nearly all healthy people.

4. What is a key dietary consideration for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

A. High-fiber diet
B. Low-phenylalanine diet
C. Increased dairy intake
D. High-sodium diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low-phenylalanine diet is crucial for managing PKU to prevent neurological damage and maintain normal development. Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in protein-containing foods, and individuals with PKU have difficulty metabolizing it. Consuming foods low in phenylalanine helps prevent the buildup of toxic byproducts in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A high-fiber diet, increased dairy intake, and high-sodium diet are not specific dietary considerations for PKU management. In fact, dairy products are a source of protein and phenylalanine, which should be limited in PKU.

5. What intervention is recommended for a child with severe dehydration?

A. Oral rehydration therapy
B. Intravenous fluid replacement
C. High-protein diet
D. Increased physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Intravenous fluid replacement is the recommended intervention for a child with severe dehydration because it allows for rapid restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance. In severe cases, oral rehydration therapy (Choice A) may not be tolerated due to the child's condition. A high-protein diet (Choice C) is not the primary intervention and does not address the immediate fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Increased physical activity (Choice D) is contraindicated in severe dehydration as it can exacerbate fluid loss, making intravenous fluid replacement the most suitable choice for prompt correction of the severe dehydration.