how should a nurse manage a child with a newly inserted gastrostomy tube

HESI LPN

Nutrition Final Exam

1. How should a healthcare professional manage a child with a newly inserted gastrostomy tube?

A. Monitor for signs of infection
B. Increase the child's fluid intake
C. Restrict all oral intake
D. Use only sterile equipment for feedings

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection at the gastrostomy site is crucial for ensuring proper care and preventing complications. This involves observing for redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage around the insertion site. Increasing the child's fluid intake (Choice B) may be beneficial for hydration but is not specifically related to managing a newly inserted gastrostomy tube. Restricting all oral intake (Choice C) is not necessary as long as the healthcare professional follows the recommended guidelines for feeding. While using sterile equipment for feedings (Choice D) is important, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence in the immediate post-insertion period.

2. What is one function of water in the human body?

A. Water provides calories for energy.
B. Water helps transport nutrients and waste products.
C. Water acts as a solvent for many biological reactions.
D. Water maintains body temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Water helps transport nutrients and waste products. Water plays a crucial role in the body by aiding in the transportation of essential nutrients to cells and removing waste products. While water is essential for various metabolic processes, it does not provide calories for energy (choice A). Although water can act as a solvent for biological reactions (choice C), its primary function is not as a solvent. Additionally, while water does help in regulating body temperature to some extent, its main role is not to maintain body temperature (choice D).

3. What should be monitored in a child receiving chemotherapy?

A. Blood glucose levels
B. Blood cell counts
C. Weight gain
D. Skin elasticity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring blood cell counts. During chemotherapy, it is crucial to monitor blood cell counts to detect potential side effects such as neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and anemia (low red blood cell count). These conditions can increase the risk of infections and fatigue. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice A) is not typically a primary concern in children receiving chemotherapy unless they have pre-existing conditions like diabetes. Weight gain (Choice C) and skin elasticity (Choice D) are not directly related to monitoring the effects of chemotherapy in children. Therefore, the most important parameter to monitor in a child receiving chemotherapy is blood cell counts.

4. What is an important dietary consideration for a child with renal failure?

A. Low-protein, low-sodium diet
B. High-protein, high-sodium diet
C. Increased calcium intake
D. High-fiber diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low-protein, low-sodium diet is crucial for a child with renal failure because it helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and minimize complications. High-protein and high-sodium diets can place excessive strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. Increased calcium intake is not typically a primary consideration for renal failure in children. While a high-fiber diet can be beneficial for overall health, it is not a specific priority for managing renal failure in children.

5. 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.