what should be monitored in a child receiving chemotherapy

HESI LPN

LPN Nutrition Practice Test

1. 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.

2. How should the nurse manage a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who is receiving chemotherapy?

A. Avoid all physical activity
B. Ensure strict infection control measures
C. Increase daily caloric intake
D. Limit fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure strict infection control measures. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are undergoing chemotherapy have compromised immune systems, making them highly susceptible to infections. Implementing strict infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, limiting exposure to sick individuals, and maintaining a clean environment, is essential to prevent infections. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity may not be necessary as long as the child's activity level is appropriate. Choice C is incorrect because increasing daily caloric intake is important to support the child's nutritional needs during treatment. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake is not typically recommended unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider.

3. How should a healthcare provider respond to a parent concerned about their child's recurrent ear infections?

A. Suggest regular use of over-the-counter ear drops
B. Recommend a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist
C. Advise on increased antibiotic use
D. Encourage avoiding all physical activities

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a parent expresses concerns about their child's recurrent ear infections, the best course of action is to recommend a thorough evaluation by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. This specialist can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying cause of the ear infections and provide appropriate treatment options. Choice A is incorrect because suggesting over-the-counter ear drops without a proper evaluation may not address the root cause of the issue. Choice C is also incorrect as increasing antibiotic use without understanding the specific cause can lead to antibiotic resistance and may not be necessary. Choice D is incorrect as avoiding physical activities is unrelated to addressing recurrent ear infections and is not a recommended approach.

4. 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.

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.