what does the term essential nutrient refer to

HESI LPN

HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam

1. What does the term 'essential nutrient' refer to?

A. A nutrient that can be synthesized by the body.
B. A nutrient that is required for proper body functioning.
C. A nutrient that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce it.
D. A nutrient that can be stored in the body for long periods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. An essential nutrient is a substance that is necessary for normal body functioning but cannot be synthesized in adequate amounts by the body, therefore it must be obtained from the diet. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because essential nutrients are not synthesized by the body, they are necessary for body functioning, and they are not typically stored in the body for long periods.

2. What is the recommended treatment for a child with a first-degree burn?

A. Immediate application of ice
B. Administration of oral antibiotics
C. Application of cool, moist compresses
D. Application of hot packs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The recommended treatment for a child with a first-degree burn is the application of cool, moist compresses. This helps in reducing pain and swelling without causing further damage to the skin. Applying ice directly to a burn can lead to frostbite and worsen the injury (Choice A). Oral antibiotics are not necessary for first-degree burns as they do not typically involve infection (Choice B). Hot packs should be avoided as they can further damage the skin and increase inflammation (Choice D).

3. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child experiences pain. What is the most likely cause?

A. Inflammation of the vessels
B. Obstructed blood flow
C. Overhydration
D. Stress-related headaches

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In sickle cell anemia, pain is primarily caused by the obstruction of blood flow by sickle-shaped cells. This obstruction leads to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues, resulting in tissue damage and pain. Choice A, inflammation of the vessels, is incorrect as it is not the primary cause of pain in sickle cell anemia. Choice C, overhydration, is unrelated to the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia and would not lead to the characteristic pain experienced. Choice D, stress-related headaches, is also unrelated to the underlying mechanisms of pain in sickle cell anemia.

4. What is one major weakness of a laboratory-based study?

A. The costs are typically prohibitive.
B. Findings are difficult to replicate.
C. Results from animal testing cannot be applied to human beings.
D. Experimental variables cannot be easily controlled.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One major weakness of laboratory-based studies is that results from animal testing cannot always be applied to human beings. This limitation arises due to the inherent biological differences between animals and humans, making the generalization of findings challenging. While costs may be a concern in some cases, they do not represent a universal weakness of laboratory-based studies. Findings in such studies can be replicated to ensure validity, and experimental variables can be effectively controlled in a laboratory setting. Choice C is the correct answer because the translatability of results from animal studies to humans is a significant challenge in laboratory-based research, impacting the direct application of findings to human health and well-being.

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

A. Avoiding all physical activities
B. Achieving and maintaining control of asthma symptoms
C. Increasing daily sugar intake
D. Restricting all forms of medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with asthma is to achieve and maintain control of asthma symptoms to ensure the child's well-being and quality of life. This involves using appropriate medications as prescribed, identifying and avoiding triggers, and developing an asthma action plan. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding all physical activities can lead to deconditioning and is not recommended, increasing daily sugar intake is unrelated to managing asthma, and restricting all forms of medication can be harmful as medications are often necessary to control asthma symptoms.