a health magazine contacts you for your expert opinion on what measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the populati

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. Which measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population?

A. The Dietary Reference Intakes, as they provide a set of nutrient intake values for healthy people in the United States and Canada
B. The Tolerable Upper Intake levels, as they indicate the maximum daily amount of a nutrient considered safe for most healthy people
C. The Estimated Average Requirements, as they reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed to maintain a specific function in half of the healthy individuals of a population
D. The Recommended Dietary Allowances, as they represent the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy individuals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the best measure to describe the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population. RDAs represent the average daily intake level that meets the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice A, the Dietary Reference Intakes, provide a set of nutrient intake values but do not specifically address the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate for practically all individuals. Choice B, the Tolerable Upper Intake levels, focus on the maximum daily amount of a nutrient deemed safe for most healthy people, not the average daily amount needed. Choice C, the Estimated Average Requirements, reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed by half of the healthy individuals, which is not as comprehensive as the RDAs that cater to nearly all healthy people.

2. What is a causative factor of Hirschsprung disease?

A. Frequent evacuation of solids, liquids, and gases
B. Excessive peristaltic movement
C. Absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells in a portion of the colon
D. One portion of the bowel telescoping into another

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells in a portion of the colon. Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of nerve cells (ganglia) in parts of the colon. This absence leads to a lack of peristalsis in the affected segment, resulting in severe constipation and bowel obstruction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A describes symptoms of diarrhea rather than a causative factor of Hirschsprung disease. Excessive peristaltic movement (choice B) is not a causative factor but rather the opposite, as Hirschsprung disease is associated with reduced peristalsis. Choice D, which refers to intussusception, is a different condition unrelated to Hirschsprung disease.

3. How should a child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder be managed?

A. Avoid all physical activity
B. Monitor for triggers and ensure safety
C. Increase dietary sodium intake
D. Restrict all forms of social interaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When managing a child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder, it is essential to monitor for triggers and ensure safety. By identifying triggers such as lack of sleep, stress, or specific foods, healthcare professionals can help prevent seizures. Ensuring safety involves creating a safe environment to prevent injuries during a seizure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding all physical activity can be detrimental as appropriate exercise is essential for overall health. Increasing dietary sodium intake is not a standard recommendation for managing seizures. Restricting all forms of social interaction is unnecessary and can have negative effects on the child's emotional well-being.

4. What is the primary intervention for a child experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure?

A. Administer intravenous fluids
B. Place the child in a prone position
C. Protect the child from injury
D. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary intervention for a child experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure is to protect them from injury. Placing the child in a prone position can be dangerous as it may lead to further harm due to the risk of aspiration or airway obstruction. Administering intravenous fluids is not recommended during a seizure. Performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is also not indicated as the child will resume breathing spontaneously after the seizure stops. Ensuring the child's safety and preventing injury by removing harmful objects and cushioning their head is essential until the seizure subsides.

5. How should a healthcare provider respond to a parent concerned about their child's frequent ear infections?

A. Recommend over-the-counter ear drops
B. Suggest an ENT specialist evaluation
C. Advise on increasing fluid intake
D. Encourage more physical exercise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a parent expresses concerns about their child's frequent ear infections, suggesting an ENT specialist evaluation is the most appropriate response. This specialist can conduct a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause of the recurrent infections and recommend the most suitable treatment. Recommending over-the-counter ear drops (Choice A) may not address the root cause of the issue and could potentially lead to inappropriate treatment. Advising on increasing fluid intake (Choice C) and encouraging more physical exercise (Choice D) are unrelated to addressing the specific concern of frequent ear infections.