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. Which of the following is a common complication of an untreated inguinal hernia in children?

A. Gastroenteritis
B. Strangulation of the hernia
C. Chronic cough
D. Epistaxis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Strangulation of the hernia. Untreated inguinal hernias in children can lead to strangulation, which can result in bowel obstruction and ischemia. This is a serious complication that requires prompt medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal infection that is not directly related to untreated inguinal hernias. Chronic cough is not typically associated with this condition. Epistaxis refers to nosebleeds, which are not a common complication of untreated inguinal hernias in children.

3. What is a common sign of a respiratory infection in infants?

A. Increased appetite
B. Rapid breathing
C. Decreased urine output
D. Lethargy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rapid breathing is a common sign of a respiratory infection in infants. When infants have a respiratory infection, their breathing may become rapid as their body tries to get more oxygen. This symptom is often seen alongside cough and fever. Increased appetite (Choice A) is not typically associated with respiratory infections but can be seen in other conditions. Decreased urine output (Choice C) is more indicative of dehydration or kidney issues rather than a respiratory infection. Lethargy (Choice D) can be a symptom of various illnesses but is not as specific to respiratory infections as rapid breathing.

4. What is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy in children?

A. Increased appetite
B. Decreased blood glucose levels
C. Inhibited growth
D. Mood changes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased appetite. Corticosteroid therapy commonly causes increased appetite in children. This side effect can lead to weight gain and other metabolic changes. Option B is incorrect because corticosteroid therapy is more likely to result in increased blood glucose levels. Option C is incorrect because corticosteroid therapy can inhibit growth due to its impact on the endocrine system. Option D is incorrect because corticosteroid therapy can lead to mood changes such as irritability or even mood swings rather than improved mood.

5. In what position should infants be placed to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

A. Right side-lying
B. Left side-lying
C. Prone
D. Supine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their backs (supine) to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This position has been shown to decrease the likelihood of SIDS occurrence. Placing infants on their right or left side (choices A and B) or prone (choice C) can increase the risk of SIDS as it may obstruct the infant's airway or lead to overheating, which are known risk factors for SIDS.