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 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.

3. How should a healthcare professional manage a child with a newly inserted gastrostomy tube?

A. Monitor for signs of infection
B. Increase the child's fluid intake
C. Restrict all oral intake
D. Use only sterile equipment for feedings

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection at the gastrostomy site is crucial for ensuring proper care and preventing complications. This involves observing for redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage around the insertion site. Increasing the child's fluid intake (Choice B) may be beneficial for hydration but is not specifically related to managing a newly inserted gastrostomy tube. Restricting all oral intake (Choice C) is not necessary as long as the healthcare professional follows the recommended guidelines for feeding. While using sterile equipment for feedings (Choice D) is important, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence in the immediate post-insertion period.

4. What is the most common symptom of appendicitis in children?

A. Vomiting and diarrhea
B. Fever and abdominal pain
C. Rash and joint pain
D. Difficulty breathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fever and abdominal pain. In children, appendicitis commonly presents with fever and abdominal pain. The pain typically begins around the umbilicus and then moves to the lower right quadrant. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because vomiting and diarrhea, rash and joint pain, and difficulty breathing are not typical symptoms of appendicitis in children.

5. How should hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting be assessed?

A. Monitor skin turgor and mucous membranes
B. Measure blood glucose levels
C. Check for signs of jaundice
D. Assess respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To assess hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting, monitoring skin turgor and mucous membranes is essential. Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to change shape and return to normal; poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration. Mucous membranes, such as the mouth and eyes, can also provide valuable information about hydration levels. Measuring blood glucose levels (Choice B) is not directly related to assessing hydration status. Checking for signs of jaundice (Choice C) is important for liver-related issues, not hydration assessment. Assessing respiratory rate (Choice D) is crucial for evaluating respiratory function, not hydration status.