LPN Nutrition Practice Test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) is to provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people. Choice B is incorrect because RDAs aim beyond just survival requirements. Choice C is incorrect because establishing maximum safe levels is the role of Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Choice D is incorrect because preventing chronic diseases is more associated with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) like Adequate Intakes (AIs) and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the best measure to describe the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population. RDAs represent the average daily intake level that meets the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice A, the Dietary Reference Intakes, provide a set of nutrient intake values but do not specifically address the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate for practically all individuals. Choice B, the Tolerable Upper Intake levels, focus on the maximum daily amount of a nutrient deemed safe for most healthy people, not the average daily amount needed. Choice C, the Estimated Average Requirements, reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed by half of the healthy individuals, which is not as comprehensive as the RDAs that cater to nearly all healthy people.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When administering medications to a child with hepatic dysfunction, it is crucial to make adjustments in dosage due to altered metabolism. Hepatic dysfunction can affect the way medications are metabolized in the body, potentially leading to drug toxicity or reduced effectiveness. This is why adjusting the dosage is essential to ensure the medication is both safe and efficient. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increasing dosing intervals, avoiding all medications, or using only topical medications do not address the specific issue of altered drug metabolism in hepatic dysfunction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A bulging fontanel is a key sign of meningitis in infants, indicating increased intracranial pressure due to inflammation of the meninges. This can lead to the fontanel bulging. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased appetite is not typically associated with meningitis in infants; instead, they may have poor feeding. A decreased respiratory rate is not a common sign of meningitis in infants. Elevated blood pressure is also not a typical finding in infants with meningitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An essential nutrient is a substance that cannot be made in sufficient quantities by the body itself, so it must be obtained from the diet. Choice A is incorrect because essential nutrients are required in specific amounts, not necessarily large quantities. Choice B is incorrect as essential nutrients cannot be synthesized by the body at all. Choice D is incorrect because although essential nutrients may be used in the synthesis of other compounds, that is not the defining characteristic of an essential nutrient.