in the scientific method a tentative solution to a problem is called a what

HESI LPN

HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam

1. In the scientific method, a tentative solution to a problem is called a what?

A. theory
B. prediction
C. hypothesis
D. correlation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the scientific method, a hypothesis is a tentative solution or educated guess that is tested through research. A theory (choice A) is a well-substantiated explanation based on evidence and extensive testing. A prediction (choice B) is a statement about what will happen in the future based on existing knowledge. Correlation (choice D) refers to a mutual relationship between two or more things, indicating how they may change together but not providing a solution to a problem.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What is a common treatment for a child with iron-deficiency anemia?

A. Iron supplements
B. High-protein diet
C. Vitamin B12 injections
D. Sodium chloride solution

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Iron supplements are the correct choice for treating iron-deficiency anemia in children. Iron supplements help replenish the low iron levels in the body, addressing the underlying cause of the anemia. High-protein diets may be beneficial for overall health but are not the primary treatment for iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 injections are used to treat B12 deficiency anemia, a different type of anemia. Sodium chloride solution is not a treatment for anemia and is typically used for hydration purposes.

5. Which statement is true of minerals in their role as nutrients?

A. They are organic compounds.
B. They yield 4 kilocalories per gram.
C. Some become dissolved in body fluids.
D. Some are destroyed during cooking.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is that some minerals become dissolved in body fluids, making them available for absorption and utilization by the body. Minerals are not organic compounds, so choice A is incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because minerals do not provide energy like macronutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. Choice D is incorrect because minerals are elements and cannot be destroyed by cooking; however, their availability and absorption may be affected by cooking methods.