The adequate intake (AI) for the total digestible carbohydrates in a nine-month-old boy is

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) 95 gm/day for the total digestible carbohydrates in a nine-month-old boy. In infants, carbohydrates are a crucial source of energy for their rapid growth and development. The AI for carbohydrates at this age is around 95 gm/day, which meets the energy requirements of a growing infant. Option A) 60 gm/day is too low for a nine-month-old's carbohydrate needs, potentially leading to inadequate energy intake for growth and development. Option C) 120 gm/day and Option D) 170 gm/day are both too high for a nine-month-old's carbohydrate requirements. Excessive carbohydrate intake at this age can lead to issues like obesity and disrupted metabolic functions. Educationally, understanding the specific nutrient needs of different age groups is crucial for providing appropriate care and promoting optimal growth and development in pediatric patients. By knowing the recommended intakes, healthcare providers can guide parents and caregivers in making informed decisions about their child's nutrition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Breast engorgement is a common issue for breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early stages of lactation. The correct answer, option D, states that breasts should NOT be softened prior to infant feeding. This is because softening the breasts before feeding can make it harder for the infant to latch properly and effectively remove milk, potentially exacerbating engorgement. Option A is true because breast engorgement typically occurs in the first stage of lactogenesis when the milk supply is increasing. Option B is also true as poor breastfeeding technique, such as improper latching or infrequent feeding, can lead to engorgement. Option C is true as breastfeeding on demand and in response to infant hunger cues can help prevent or alleviate engorgement by ensuring frequent and effective milk removal. Educationally, it is important for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam to understand the management of breastfeeding issues like engorgement. Knowing the correct strategies to prevent and address engorgement can help promote successful breastfeeding and support the health of both mother and baby. Understanding the nuances of breastfeeding can also help nurses provide effective education and support to breastfeeding mothers in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) 110 g/L for children 12-14 years. This hemoglobin cutoff value is used to define anemia in this specific age group. Anemia is a condition characterized by a lower than normal level of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Option A) 120 g/L for children 6-59 months is incorrect because the cutoff value for anemia in this age group is typically lower, around 110 g/L. Option B) 115 g/L for children 5-11 years is incorrect as the cutoff value for anemia in this age group is usually around 110 g/L as well. Option D) 120 g/L for men is incorrect as this value is specific to adult men and not applicable to children. Understanding the correct hemoglobin cutoff values for anemia in different age groups is crucial in pediatric nursing practice. It helps healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and treat anemia in children, ensuring optimal health outcomes. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels is essential in pediatric care to detect and manage anemia early.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In malnutrition, the outward sign of cell damage is wasting (Option D). Wasting refers to the severe loss of muscle and fat tissue due to inadequate nutrient intake. This is a characteristic feature of protein-energy malnutrition. Option A, edema, is the accumulation of fluid in tissues and occurs in conditions like kwashiorkor, which is a form of severe acute malnutrition characterized by edema. However, edema is not the primary outward sign of cell damage in malnutrition. Option B, hepatomegaly, refers to an enlarged liver and can be seen in conditions like liver disease or infection. While liver damage can occur in malnutrition, hepatomegaly is not the most prominent outward sign of cell damage in this context. Option C, facial appearance, can be affected in malnutrition, leading to a gaunt or sunken appearance. However, this is more of a general physical manifestation and not a direct sign of cell damage. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in pediatric nursing practice, especially when assessing and managing malnourished children. Recognizing wasting as a sign of severe malnutrition can prompt timely interventions to address nutritional deficiencies and prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric malnutrition, particularly during the stabilization phase, providing essential trace elements is crucial for the recovery and overall health of the child. In this context, the correct answer is D) zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in immune function, wound healing, and growth, making it essential during the stabilization phase of malnutrition. Zinc deficiency is common in malnourished children, and supplementing it helps in reversing growth stunting, immune system impairment, and other complications associated with malnutrition. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Iron: While iron is important for red blood cell formation, it is not typically a priority during the stabilization phase of malnutrition unless the child has been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. B) Vitamin A: Although vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth, it is not a trace element and is usually supplemented during the rehabilitation phase of malnutrition. C) Folate: Folate is a B-vitamin necessary for cell division and growth, but it is not typically prioritized during the stabilization phase of malnutrition compared to zinc. Educational Context: Understanding the specific nutritional needs of malnourished children is essential for healthcare providers, especially those preparing for exams like the NCLEX. Knowing which trace elements are crucial during different phases of malnutrition can help in providing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes. Mastery of this knowledge ensures safe and effective pediatric care, making it a vital concept for nursing students and professionals to grasp.