HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What is the correct recommendation regarding milk consumption for an 18-month-old child?

1. Can have milk mixed with other foods

2. May drink as much milk as desired

3. Should be limited to 3-4 cups daily

4. Will benefit from fat-free cow's milk

The correct answer is: Should be limited to 3-4 cups daily

For an 18-month-old child, the recommendation to limit milk consumption to 3-4 cups daily is based on nutritional guidelines that ensure the child receives a balanced diet. At this age, children require adequate amounts of fat and other nutrients for growth and development, and while milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, excessive milk consumption can lead to a few issues. First, if a child consumes too much milk, it may lead to a decreased appetite for other solid foods, which are essential for providing a variety of nutrients. A varied diet is important for healthy growth and helps prevent nutritional deficiencies. Limiting milk intake to 3-4 cups ensures that the child can get necessary nutrients from other food sources as well. Additionally, whole milk is typically recommended for young children because it contains fat, which is crucial for brain development. However, the proposed limit helps avoid complications such as iron-deficiency anemia, which can occur if a child drinks excessive amounts of milk without consuming enough iron-rich foods. In contrast, mixing milk with other foods, consuming unlimited amounts, or opting for fat-free cow's milk does not take into consideration the balanced diet that an 18-month-old requires during this critical growth period. Thus, maintaining a daily limit