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 the primary treatment for a child with an anaphylactic reaction?

A. Oral antihistamines
B. Intravenous fluids
C. Epinephrine injection
D. Antipyretics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epinephrine injection. An epinephrine injection is the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction in children. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and hives. Oral antihistamines, although useful for milder allergic reactions, are not sufficient to manage the potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to support blood pressure in a child with anaphylaxis but are not the primary treatment. Antipyretics, on the other hand, are medications used to reduce fever and are not indicated as the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction.

3. 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.

4. What is the primary goal in managing a child with chronic asthma?

A. Achieve and maintain symptom control
B. Avoid all physical activity
C. Increase dietary sodium
D. Restrict medication use

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with chronic asthma is to achieve and maintain symptom control. This helps improve the child's quality of life by reducing asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity is not recommended for children with asthma; in fact, regular physical activity can be beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as increasing dietary sodium is not a primary goal in managing asthma. Choice D is incorrect because restricting medication use can lead to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and complications.

5. What is an important aspect of care for a child with congenital heart disease?

A. Restricting physical activity
B. Increasing fluid intake
C. Administering high doses of vitamins
D. Monitoring growth and development

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring growth and development is crucial for children with congenital heart disease to ensure they are meeting developmental milestones and managing the disease effectively. This helps healthcare providers assess the child's overall health, detect any potential issues early, and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Restricting physical activity may not be necessary for all children with congenital heart disease and should be determined by their healthcare team based on individual needs. Increasing fluid intake and administering high doses of vitamins may not be directly related to managing congenital heart disease and should be guided by specific recommendations from healthcare providers.