how should a nurse assess hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting

HESI LPN

HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam

1. How should hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting be assessed?

A. Monitor skin turgor and mucous membranes
B. Measure blood glucose levels
C. Check for signs of jaundice
D. Assess respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To assess hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting, monitoring skin turgor and mucous membranes is essential. Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to change shape and return to normal; poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration. Mucous membranes, such as the mouth and eyes, can also provide valuable information about hydration levels. Measuring blood glucose levels (Choice B) is not directly related to assessing hydration status. Checking for signs of jaundice (Choice C) is important for liver-related issues, not hydration assessment. Assessing respiratory rate (Choice D) is crucial for evaluating respiratory function, not hydration status.

2. What is the main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)?

A. To provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people.
B. To specify the minimum amount of nutrients required for survival.
C. To establish maximum safe levels of nutrient intakes.
D. To recommend specific nutrient intake levels to prevent chronic diseases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) is to provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people. Choice B is incorrect because RDAs aim beyond just survival requirements. Choice C is incorrect because establishing maximum safe levels is the role of Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Choice D is incorrect because preventing chronic diseases is more associated with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) like Adequate Intakes (AIs) and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Therefore, the correct answer is A.

3. 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.

4. What is critical for preventing complications in an infant with hypothyroidism?

A. Excessive growth
B. Cognitive impairment
C. Damage to the nervous system
D. Damage to the urinary system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cognitive impairment. In infants with hypothyroidism, prompt administration of oral thyroid hormone replacement is crucial to prevent cognitive impairment and other serious complications. Excessive growth (choice A) is not a typical complication of hypothyroidism in infants. While hypothyroidism can affect the nervous system (choice C), cognitive impairment is more specific to untreated cases. Damage to the urinary system (choice D) is not a common complication of hypothyroidism in infants.

5. How should a caregiver manage a child with a known allergy to peanuts?

A. Avoid all peanut-containing products
B. Encourage regular exposure to peanuts
C. Administer antihistamines daily
D. Recommend peanut-containing supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Avoiding peanut-containing products is crucial for managing a peanut allergy and preventing allergic reactions. Choice B suggesting regular exposure to peanuts can be harmful and trigger severe allergic reactions in a child with a peanut allergy. Regular exposure can increase the risk of anaphylaxis. Choice C of administering antihistamines daily is not a primary prevention strategy and should not be the first-line approach for managing a peanut allergy. Antihistamines only treat symptoms and do not prevent the allergic reaction. Choice D of recommending peanut-containing supplements can also lead to severe allergic reactions and is not recommended for a child with a known peanut allergy. It is essential to eliminate all sources of peanuts to prevent accidental exposure and potential life-threatening reactions.