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 primary goal in managing a child with chronic asthma?

A. Achieve and maintain symptom control
B. Avoid all physical activity
C. Increase dietary sodium
D. Restrict medication use

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with chronic asthma is to achieve and maintain symptom control. This helps improve the child's quality of life by reducing asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity is not recommended for children with asthma; in fact, regular physical activity can be beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as increasing dietary sodium is not a primary goal in managing asthma. Choice D is incorrect because restricting medication use can lead to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and complications.

3. Parents of a 6-month-old child, diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, ask why it was not diagnosed earlier. What should the nurse say?

A. Are you sure your child has iron deficiency anemia?
B. Maternal stores of iron are depleted at about 6 months.
C. This anemia is caused by blood loss.
D. The child may not have had it for a long time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Maternal stores of iron are depleted at about 6 months.' Iron deficiency anemia becomes apparent around 6 months of age when the infant's iron stores, primarily received from the mother during pregnancy, are depleted. This timing coincides with the introduction of solid foods, which may lack sufficient iron. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific reason why iron deficiency anemia is typically diagnosed around 6 months of age.

4. What is the primary source of energy for the brain and nervous system?

A. Protein
B. Fat
C. Carbohydrate
D. Glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Glucose is the correct answer as it is the primary source of energy for the brain and nervous system. The brain relies heavily on glucose to function optimally. While protein and fat play essential roles in the body, they are not the primary sources of energy for the brain and nervous system. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are broken down into glucose, which is then used as fuel by the brain and nervous system.

5. Which measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population?

A. The Dietary Reference Intakes, as they provide a set of nutrient intake values for healthy people in the United States and Canada
B. The Tolerable Upper Intake levels, as they indicate the maximum daily amount of a nutrient considered safe for most healthy people
C. The Estimated Average Requirements, as they reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed to maintain a specific function in half of the healthy individuals of a population
D. The Recommended Dietary Allowances, as they represent the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy individuals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the best measure to describe the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population. RDAs represent the average daily intake level that meets the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice A, the Dietary Reference Intakes, provide a set of nutrient intake values but do not specifically address the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate for practically all individuals. Choice B, the Tolerable Upper Intake levels, focus on the maximum daily amount of a nutrient deemed safe for most healthy people, not the average daily amount needed. Choice C, the Estimated Average Requirements, reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed by half of the healthy individuals, which is not as comprehensive as the RDAs that cater to nearly all healthy people.