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. How should the nurse manage a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who is receiving chemotherapy?

A. Avoid all physical activity
B. Ensure strict infection control measures
C. Increase daily caloric intake
D. Limit fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure strict infection control measures. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are undergoing chemotherapy have compromised immune systems, making them highly susceptible to infections. Implementing strict infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, limiting exposure to sick individuals, and maintaining a clean environment, is essential to prevent infections. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity may not be necessary as long as the child's activity level is appropriate. Choice C is incorrect because increasing daily caloric intake is important to support the child's nutritional needs during treatment. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake is not typically recommended unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider.

3. What is the primary goal in managing a child with chronic asthma?

A. Achieve and maintain symptom control
B. Avoid all physical activity
C. Increase dietary sodium
D. Restrict medication use

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with chronic asthma is to achieve and maintain symptom control. This helps improve the child's quality of life by reducing asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity is not recommended for children with asthma; in fact, regular physical activity can be beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as increasing dietary sodium is not a primary goal in managing asthma. Choice D is incorrect because restricting medication use can lead to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and complications.

4. What is a common treatment for a child with moderate to severe eczema?

A. Topical corticosteroids
B. Oral antibiotics
C. Frequent saline irrigation
D. High-calcium diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Topical corticosteroids are the correct answer for a child with moderate to severe eczema. These medications are commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching associated with eczema. Oral antibiotics (Choice B) are not typically used in eczema treatment unless there is a secondary bacterial infection. Frequent saline irrigation (Choice C) may aid in wound care but is not a primary treatment for eczema. A high-calcium diet (Choice D) is not a standard treatment for eczema and does not target the underlying inflammatory process that causes eczema symptoms.

5. What is a primary concern for a child with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus?

A. Increased growth rate
B. Risk of hyperglycemia
C. Risk of dehydration
D. Improved appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk of hyperglycemia. When a child is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, one of the primary concerns is the risk of hyperglycemia, which refers to high blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia can lead to various complications if not managed properly, making it crucial to stabilize blood glucose levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased growth rate, risk of dehydration, and improved appetite are not primary concerns specifically associated with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.