which characteristic is most typical of a chronic disease

HESI LPN

Nutrition Final Exam

1. Which characteristic is most typical of a chronic disease?

A. It has a rapid onset.
B. It rarely has noticeable symptoms.
C. It produces sharp pains.
D. It progresses gradually.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Chronic diseases are characterized by a gradual progression over time, affecting individuals for an extended period. Option A is incorrect as chronic diseases do not have a rapid onset like acute conditions. Option B is incorrect as chronic diseases often manifest noticeable symptoms. Option C is incorrect as sharp pains are not a defining characteristic of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases can present a variety of symptoms depending on the specific condition, but gradual progression is a common feature distinguishing them from acute illnesses.

2. 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.

3. What is the primary role of dietary guidelines?

A. To ensure that all food groups are consumed in appropriate proportions.
B. To prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
C. To help individuals meet their nutritional needs while reducing the risk of chronic disease.
D. To offer specific recommendations for the intake of nutrients that support health.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To help individuals meet their nutritional needs while reducing the risk of chronic disease.' Dietary guidelines are designed to provide guidance on the types and amounts of food that support good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Choice A has been corrected to mention 'appropriate proportions' instead of 'equal amounts,' as dietary guidelines emphasize balance and variety. Choice B is partially correct, but the primary focus of dietary guidelines is on meeting nutritional needs. Choice D is incorrect because while dietary guidelines may include nutrient recommendations, their primary focus is on overall dietary patterns rather than specific nutrient intake.

4. How should a healthcare professional respond to a parent concerned about their child's weight gain?

A. Provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity
B. Suggest restrictive dieting
C. Recommend increased caloric intake
D. Avoid discussing the issue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a parent expresses concern about their child's weight gain, the most appropriate response is to provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity. This approach promotes healthy weight management and overall well-being. Suggesting restrictive dieting (Choice B) can be harmful, especially for children, as it may lead to unhealthy relationships with food and potential nutritional deficiencies. Recommending increased caloric intake (Choice C) without proper assessment and guidance can exacerbate the issue. Avoiding discussing the issue (Choice D) neglects a critical opportunity to address the parent's concerns and support the child's health.

5. What is the most common initial symptom of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

A. Joint swelling and pain
B. Skin rash
C. Gastrointestinal bleeding
D. Neurological deficits

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Joint swelling and pain. These are the most common initial symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, typically affecting multiple joints. Skin rash (choice B), gastrointestinal bleeding (choice C), and neurological deficits (choice D) are not typical initial symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Skin rash may be seen in other conditions like dermatitis or systemic lupus erythematosus, gastrointestinal bleeding may be associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological deficits could be indicative of conditions like multiple sclerosis.