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 is an important consideration when administering medications to a child with a history of chronic renal failure?

A. Increased frequency of medication administration
B. Adjustments in dosage due to altered drug metabolism
C. Avoidance of all medications
D. Use of only intravenous medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When administering medications to a child with chronic renal failure, it is crucial to consider adjustments in dosage due to altered drug metabolism. Children with chronic renal failure may have impaired drug excretion, leading to potential drug accumulation and toxicity. Increasing the frequency of medication administration (choice A) may not address the altered drug metabolism issue and could increase the risk of adverse effects. Avoiding all medications (choice C) is not practical or safe as some medications may be necessary for the child's health. Using only intravenous medications (choice D) is not always required and may not be the best route of administration for all medications needed.

3. What is a common early sign of type 1 diabetes in children?

A. Excessive thirst and frequent urination
B. Severe abdominal pain
C. Frequent headaches
D. Sudden weight gain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excessive thirst and frequent urination are common early signs of type 1 diabetes in children. These symptoms occur due to high blood glucose levels, leading to increased thirst and urination. Severe abdominal pain (choice B) is not typically associated with type 1 diabetes. Although frequent headaches (choice C) can occur in some cases, they are not as specific to type 1 diabetes as excessive thirst and frequent urination. Sudden weight gain (choice D) is not a common early sign of type 1 diabetes; in fact, unexplained weight loss is more characteristic of the condition.

4. What is the main function of proteins in the body?

A. They provide structural components for the body.
B. They assist in the absorption of vitamins.
C. They help with the transport of nutrients in the blood.
D. They help maintain fluid balance in the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of proteins in the body is to provide structural components like muscles, skin, and bones. Proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. While proteins play a role in various physiological functions, their primary function is not to assist in the absorption of vitamins (Choice B), help with the transport of nutrients in the blood (Choice C), or maintain fluid balance (Choice D).

5. What is a primary goal of managing diabetes mellitus in children?

A. Promote weight maintenance
B. Prevent episodes of hypoglycemia
C. Ensure normal growth and development
D. Optimize blood sugar control

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of managing diabetes mellitus in children is to ensure normal growth and development. This involves maintaining stable blood glucose levels to prevent complications. Option A is incorrect because promoting weight gain is not a primary goal in managing diabetes; rather, the aim is to maintain a healthy weight. Option B is not the primary goal; although it is important to prevent episodes of hypoglycemia, the main focus is on overall management. Option D is incorrect as optimizing blood sugar control is a means to achieve the primary goal, which is ensuring normal growth and development.