which of the following is the best indicator of a childs nutritional status
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

2. In the newborn, into what muscle is intramuscular vitamin K administered?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In newborns, intramuscular vitamin K is traditionally administered into the vastus lateralis muscle. This site is preferred due to its large muscle mass and accessibility. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended for newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. The deltoid site is also not recommended for newborns. The rectus femoris muscle is not commonly used for intramuscular injections in newborns.

3. The nurse is planning to counsel family members as a group to assess the family's group dynamics. Which theoretical family model is the nurse using as a framework?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Family systems theory views the family as an interconnected system where changes in one member affect the entire family, making it ideal for assessing group dynamics.

4. A 12-year-old child had an appendectomy 18 hours ago. The nurse is monitoring the child for pain control. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for assessing the child’s pain?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Numeric scale is the most appropriate tool for assessing pain in older children, like a 12-year-old, as they can comprehend and use numbers to indicate their pain levels accurately. The FLACC scale is typically used for nonverbal or preverbal children. The NIPS scale is designed for neonates and infants. The FACES scale is more commonly used in younger children who may have difficulty expressing their pain in other ways.

5. The nurse is assessing a 3-day-old breastfed newborn who weighed 3400 g (7 pounds, 8 oz) at birth. The infant’s mother is now concerned because the infant weighs 3147 g (6 pounds, 15 oz). The most appropriate nursing intervention is what?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A neonate normally loses about 10% of the birth weight by age 3 to 4 days. The birth weight is usually regained by the 10th day of life. In this case, the weight loss from 3400 g to 3147 g is within the expected range. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to explain to the mother that this weight loss is within normal limits. Choice A is incorrect because supplemental feedings of formula are not indicated for this expected weight loss in a breastfed newborn. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest excessive weight loss at this point. Choice D is unnecessary at this stage and may not align with the current situation of normal weight loss post-birth.

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