HESI RN
Nutrition HESI Practice Exam
1. A client with pneumococcal pneumonia had been started on antibiotics 16 hours ago. During the nurse's initial evening rounds, the nurse notices a foul smell in the room. The client makes all of these statements during their conversation. Which statement would alert the nurse to a complication?
- A. I have a sharp pain in my chest when I take a breath.
- B. I have been coughing up foul-tasting, brown, thick sputum.
- C. I have been sweating all day.
- D. I feel hot off and on.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Coughing up foul-tasting, brown, thick sputum suggests a possible abscess or secondary infection, requiring attention. Choice A may indicate pleurisy, but the focus should be on the sputum. Choice C may be non-specific and could be related to the infection or fever. Choice D is non-specific and may be expected during an infection.
2. A nurse at a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a client who is being treated with chemotherapy and is losing weight. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to increase the client's caloric intake? (Select one that doesn't apply).
- A. Top yogurt with granola.
- B. Use honey on toast.
- C. Use milk instead of water in recipes.
- D. Increase fluids during meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Increasing fluids during meals does not directly contribute to increasing caloric intake. Topping yogurt with granola, using honey on toast, and using milk instead of water in recipes are effective ways to boost caloric intake. While adequate fluid intake is important for hydration and overall health, it does not address the specific need to increase caloric intake in this scenario.
3. A healthcare professional is assisting with the development of an education program about nutritional risk among adolescents to a group of parents of adolescents. Which of the following information should the healthcare professional include in the teaching? (Select all that apply).
- A. Skipping more than three meals per week
- B. Eating fast food once a week
- C. Hearty appetite
- D. Drink whole milk to ensure adequate calcium intake.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Skipping more than three meals per week is an indicator of poor nutritional habits in adolescents. This can lead to inadequate nutrient intake and negatively impact growth and development. Choices B, C, and D are not directly associated with poor nutritional habits among adolescents. Eating fast food once a week may not necessarily indicate poor nutrition if the overall diet is balanced. Having a hearty appetite does not provide specific information about nutritional risk, as appetite can vary among individuals. While whole milk can be a source of calcium, it is not necessary to drink whole milk specifically to ensure adequate calcium intake, as there are other sources of calcium available.
4. A client diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites is receiving Spironolactone (Aldactone). The nurse understands that this medication spares the elimination of which element?
- A. Sodium
- B. Potassium
- C. Phosphate
- D. Albumin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps retain potassium while eliminating sodium. This is beneficial for patients with cirrhosis and ascites as they are at risk of low potassium levels. Choice A, Sodium, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not spare the elimination of sodium but rather helps eliminate it. Choice C, Phosphate, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not directly affect phosphate levels. Choice D, Albumin, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not spare the elimination of albumin.
5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a toddler about appropriate snacks. Which of the following foods should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Sliced bananas
- B. Raw celery
- C. Peanut butter
- D. Marshmallows
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sliced bananas. Sliced bananas are a healthy and safe snack option for toddlers as they provide essential nutrients and are easy to chew. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber. Choice B, raw celery, may pose a choking hazard for toddlers due to its stringy texture. Choice C, peanut butter, can also be a choking hazard and may not be suitable for all toddlers due to potential allergies. Choice D, marshmallows, are high in sugar and low in nutrients, making them an unhealthy choice for toddler snacks.
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