what should be monitored in a child receiving chemotherapy

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. What should be monitored in a child receiving chemotherapy?

A. Blood glucose levels
B. Blood cell counts
C. Weight gain
D. Skin elasticity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring blood cell counts. During chemotherapy, it is crucial to monitor blood cell counts to detect potential side effects such as neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and anemia (low red blood cell count). These conditions can increase the risk of infections and fatigue. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice A) is not typically a primary concern in children receiving chemotherapy unless they have pre-existing conditions like diabetes. Weight gain (Choice C) and skin elasticity (Choice D) are not directly related to monitoring the effects of chemotherapy in children. Therefore, the most important parameter to monitor in a child receiving chemotherapy is blood cell counts.

2. What action should be taken for a 2-year-old with laryngotracheobronchitis in an oxygen tent?

A. Restrain the child and notify the healthcare provider
B. Increase the oxygen concentration
C. Take the child to the playroom
D. Ask the mother to help in comforting the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In laryngotracheobronchitis (croup), a child may become restless due to poor oxygenation. Increasing the oxygen concentration in the oxygen tent is crucial to improve oxygenation levels and manage symptoms effectively. Restraint is not appropriate in this situation, as it may cause distress and worsen the child's condition. Taking the child to the playroom is not indicated when the child requires oxygen therapy. While comforting the child is important, the priority in this scenario is to optimize oxygen delivery to improve respiratory distress.

3. What is a key intervention for a child with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes?

A. Insulin administration
B. Increased dietary fat intake
C. Restricted fluid intake
D. Routine physical examinations only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Insulin administration. When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, insulin administration is a crucial intervention. Insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels by enabling cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. Without sufficient insulin, blood glucose levels can become dangerously high, leading to various complications. Increased dietary fat intake (choice B) is not a recommended intervention for type 1 diabetes management, as it can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. Restricted fluid intake (choice C) is also not appropriate, as adequate hydration is essential for overall health. Routine physical examinations (choice D) are important but are not the primary intervention needed to manage type 1 diabetes.

4. What is one characteristic that differentiates vitamins from minerals?

A. Vitamins are organic compounds.
B. Vitamins provide energy.
C. Vitamins are considered micronutrients.
D. Vitamins are essential in small amounts.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Vitamins are organic compounds, containing carbon, which is a key characteristic that differentiates them from minerals. Choice B is incorrect because vitamins do not provide energy; they are not a source of calories. Choice C is incorrect as both vitamins and minerals are considered micronutrients due to being essential in small amounts. Choice D is incorrect because while it is true that vitamins are needed in small amounts, this is not the characteristic that sets them apart from minerals.

5. What is a common sign of an allergic reaction in children?

A. Persistent cough
B. Skin rash or hives
C. Increased appetite
D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skin rash or hives are common signs of an allergic reaction in children, often following exposure to allergens. While a persistent cough can occur in some cases, it is not typically a primary sign of an allergic reaction. Increased appetite is unrelated to allergic reactions. A low-grade fever is not a common sign of an allergic reaction but can be present in other conditions like infections.