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. What is a common complication of untreated asthma in children?

A. Delayed puberty
B. Growth retardation
C. Chronic sinusitis
D. Frequent headaches

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chronic sinusitis. Untreated asthma can lead to chronic sinusitis in children due to prolonged inflammation and infection of the respiratory tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Delayed puberty and growth retardation are not common complications of untreated asthma in children. Frequent headaches may be associated with asthma exacerbations but are not typical long-term complications.

3. 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.

4. How should a healthcare professional handle a child with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes?

A. Focus on increasing physical activity and dietary management
B. Initiate insulin therapy immediately
C. Limit all carbohydrate intake
D. Recommend frequent fasting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In managing type 2 diabetes in a child, focusing on increasing physical activity and dietary management is crucial, especially in the initial treatment phase. This approach helps improve insulin sensitivity and overall glycemic control. Initiating insulin therapy immediately is not the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes in children. Limiting all carbohydrate intake is not advisable as carbohydrates are essential for providing energy and nutrients. Recommending frequent fasting can be harmful and is not a recommended strategy for managing type 2 diabetes in children.

5. What should be monitored closely in a child receiving chemotherapy?

A. Blood glucose levels
B. White blood cell count
C. Blood pressure
D. Heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: White blood cell count. During chemotherapy, it is crucial to monitor the white blood cell count closely to detect potential neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and the associated risk of infections. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice A) is important for diabetic management and not directly related to chemotherapy. Blood pressure (Choice C) and heart rate (Choice D) are essential vital signs to monitor but are not the primary focus when monitoring a child receiving chemotherapy.