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 is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) typically treated in infants?

A. Keeping the infant NPO
B. Thickening the formula or breast milk with cereal
C. Placing the infant to sleep on the side
D. Switching the infant to cow's milk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thickening the formula or breast milk with cereal is a common treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. By adding cereal, the feedings become heavier, making it less likely for the stomach contents to reflux. Keeping the infant NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary for GER treatment and might not be appropriate. Placing the infant to sleep on the side is not recommended due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Switching the infant to cow's milk is also not a recommended treatment for GER as it can exacerbate symptoms due to its protein content.

3. How should a healthcare professional respond to a parent concerned about their child's weight gain?

A. Provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity
B. Suggest restrictive dieting
C. Recommend increased caloric intake
D. Avoid discussing the issue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a parent expresses concern about their child's weight gain, the most appropriate response is to provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity. This approach promotes healthy weight management and overall well-being. Suggesting restrictive dieting (Choice B) can be harmful, especially for children, as it may lead to unhealthy relationships with food and potential nutritional deficiencies. Recommending increased caloric intake (Choice C) without proper assessment and guidance can exacerbate the issue. Avoiding discussing the issue (Choice D) neglects a critical opportunity to address the parent's concerns and support the child's health.

4. 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.

5. 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.