how is gastroesophageal reflux ger typically treated in infants

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. How is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) typically treated in infants?

A. Keeping the infant NPO
B. Thickening the formula or breast milk with cereal
C. Placing the infant to sleep on the side
D. Switching the infant to cow's milk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thickening the formula or breast milk with cereal is a common treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. By adding cereal, the feedings become heavier, making it less likely for the stomach contents to reflux. Keeping the infant NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary for GER treatment and might not be appropriate. Placing the infant to sleep on the side is not recommended due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Switching the infant to cow's milk is also not a recommended treatment for GER as it can exacerbate symptoms due to its protein content.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in the body?

A. They provide insulation and support for organs.
B. They help regulate body temperature.
C. They serve as the body's main structural components.
D. They are the body's primary source of energy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, fueling daily activities and bodily functions. Choice A is incorrect because insulation and organ support are primarily provided by adipose tissue and structural proteins, not carbohydrates. Choice B is incorrect because the regulation of body temperature is mainly controlled by processes like sweating and shivering, not carbohydrates. Choice C is incorrect because structural components like proteins are responsible for building tissues and organs, not carbohydrates.

4. What is a common complication of untreated type 1 diabetes in children?

A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. High blood pressure
C. Asthma
D. Frequent infections

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of untreated type 1 diabetes in children. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels, ketones in the urine, and acidosis. Prompt medical attention is required to manage this condition. High blood pressure (Choice B) can be a complication of diabetes but is not as directly linked to untreated type 1 diabetes as diabetic ketoacidosis. Asthma (Choice C) and frequent infections (Choice D) are not typically associated with untreated type 1 diabetes in children.

5. What is a common sign of hypothyroidism in children?

A. Weight loss
B. Increased heart rate
C. Dry skin and constipation
D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dry skin and constipation are typical signs of hypothyroidism in children. Hypothyroidism results from an underactive thyroid gland, leading to symptoms such as dry skin and constipation. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive. Increased heart rate (Choice B) and elevated blood pressure (Choice D) are also more characteristic of hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism. Therefore, the correct answer is dry skin and constipation (Choice C) when identifying signs of hypothyroidism in children.