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. You have been asked to help a top nutrition researcher conduct human experiments on vitamin C. As the subjects walk into the laboratory, you distribute all the vitamin C pill bottles to the girls and all the placebo pill bottles to the boys. What should you have done?

A. Giving all the boys the vitamin C and the girls the placebo, and telling them what they were getting.
B. Distributing the bottles randomly, randomizing the subjects, and telling them what they were getting.
C. Telling the subjects which group they were in, but preventing yourself from knowing the contents of the pill bottles.
D. Preventing yourself from knowing what is in the pill bottles, and distributing the bottles randomly to the subjects.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct approach in a scientific experiment is to prevent yourself from knowing the contents of the pill bottles and distribute them randomly to the subjects. This randomization helps to avoid bias and ensures that the results are not influenced by preconceived notions. Option A is incorrect because it introduces gender bias by assigning pills based on gender. Option B is incorrect as it mentions telling the subjects what they are getting, which could lead to placebo effects. Option C is incorrect as it suggests disclosing group information to the subjects, which can also introduce bias.

3. Which nutrient is classified as a micronutrient?

A. minerals
B. proteins
C. alcohols
D. carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is minerals. Micronutrients are required by the body in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients like proteins and carbohydrates. Proteins are macronutrients necessary for growth and repair, not classified as micronutrients. Alcohols and carbohydrates are not classified as micronutrients either.

4. How should the healthcare provider assist parents of a SIDS infant in coping?

A. Encourage seeking grief counseling
B. Remain detached
C. Alleviate feelings of guilt and blame
D. Discuss the parents' mistakes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assisting parents of a SIDS infant in coping involves alleviating feelings of guilt and blame, providing emotional support, and offering appropriate counseling. It is crucial to address the parents' emotional well-being and help them cope with the loss. Choice A is not the best answer as it focuses solely on grief counseling, while the primary concern is addressing feelings of guilt and blame. Choice B is inappropriate as remaining detached does not provide the necessary emotional support these parents need. Choice D is incorrect as discussing the parents' mistakes can intensify their feelings of guilt and blame, rather than helping them cope effectively.

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

A. Prevent triggering asthma attacks
B. Avoid triggering asthma attacks
C. Administer corticosteroids
D. Increase physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with asthma is to avoid triggering asthma attacks. This involves managing allergens, ensuring proper medication use, and creating an asthma action plan. Choice A is incorrect because the goal is to avoid triggering asthma attacks, not necessarily to prevent recurrent infections. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroids are a treatment option but not the primary goal of asthma management. Choice D is incorrect because although physical activity is important, the primary goal is to prevent asthma attacks and manage symptoms effectively.