which of the following is the best indicator of a childs nutritional status
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

2. What term describes the invagination of one segment of bowel within another?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Intussusception is the correct answer. It refers to the condition where one segment of the bowel folds into another, leading to an obstruction. Atresia (Choice A) is the absence or abnormal closure of a normal opening or tubular structure. Stenosis (Choice B) is the narrowing of a passage in the body. Herniation (Choice C) is the abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through a defect in its surrounding walls. Intussusception is a medical emergency commonly observed in infants and young children and necessitates prompt intervention to prevent severe complications.

3. The caregiver asks why the 6-month-old infant needs to have solid foods when breast milk is such a good source of nutrition. What would be the best response by the nurse?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately. Choice B is incorrect because the extrusion reflex is related to the tongue-thrust reflex, not the nutritional needs of the infant. Choice C is incorrect as breastfeeding does not become painful when the infant gets more teeth, and it is not a reason for introducing solid foods. Choice D is incorrect as the infant's interest in trying new skills is not a primary reason for introducing solid foods at this age.

4. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome to decrease proteinuria?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is the primary treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome as it helps to reduce inflammation in the kidneys and decrease proteinuria by stabilizing the glomerular filtration barrier. Albumin is a protein replacement therapy and would not directly decrease proteinuria. Penicillin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections and is not used to manage Nephrotic Syndrome. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps in managing fluid retention but does not specifically target proteinuria in Nephrotic Syndrome.

5. After a 7-year-old with acute diarrhea has been rehydrated with oral rehydration solutions, what type of diet should the nurse recommend following rehydration?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After rehydration, a regular diet is generally recommended to ensure proper nutrition and recovery. A regular diet includes a balanced intake of all food groups and nutrients. Fruit juices may be too high in simple sugars and lack necessary nutrients, which can exacerbate diarrhea. While a high carbohydrate diet may be beneficial in some cases, a regular diet is more comprehensive. The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, apples, and toast or tea, was previously recommended for diarrhea, but it lacks adequate protein and fat, so a regular diet is now preferred for overall better nutrition and recovery.

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