what is a common sign of hypothyroidism in children

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. What is a common sign of hypothyroidism in children?

A. Weight loss
B. Increased heart rate
C. Dry skin and constipation
D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dry skin and constipation are typical signs of hypothyroidism in children. Hypothyroidism results from an underactive thyroid gland, leading to symptoms such as dry skin and constipation. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive. Increased heart rate (Choice B) and elevated blood pressure (Choice D) are also more characteristic of hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism. Therefore, the correct answer is dry skin and constipation (Choice C) when identifying signs of hypothyroidism in children.

2. 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.

3. What is the primary symptom of a urinary tract infection in young children?

A. Frequent urination
B. Abdominal pain
C. Vomiting
D. Fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Fever. In young children, fever is a common primary symptom of a urinary tract infection, often accompanied by irritability and discomfort. Frequent urination (Choice A) is a symptom more commonly seen in adults with UTIs. While abdominal pain (Choice B) and vomiting (Choice C) can be present, they are not as primary as fever in young children with UTIs.

4. What dietary recommendation should be made to a child with iron-deficiency anemia?

A. Increase intake of dairy products
B. Include high-iron foods like spinach and meat
C. Decrease protein intake
D. Avoid all grains

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a child with iron-deficiency anemia is to include high-iron foods like spinach, red meat, and beans in their diet. These foods are rich sources of iron and can help address the deficiency. Choice A is incorrect as dairy products do not provide significant iron content. Choice C is incorrect because protein intake does not need to be decreased; in fact, lean meats are good sources of iron. Choice D is also incorrect as whole grains can be a part of a healthy diet and do not need to be avoided in this case.

5. What is the term for the study of how diet affects gene expression?

A. Epigenetics
B. Nutrigenomics
C. Genomics
D. Genetics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nutrigenomics is the study of how diet affects gene expression, influencing health outcomes and disease risk. Epigenetics (choice A) involves changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. Genomics (choice C) is the study of an organism's entire genome. Genetics (choice D) is the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.