HESI RN
Nutrition HESI Practice Exam
1. A client who is to have antineoplastic chemotherapy tells the nurses of a fear of being sick all the time and wishes to try acupuncture. Which of these beliefs stated by the client would be incorrect about acupuncture?
- A. Some needles go as deep as 3 inches, depending on where they're placed in the body and what the treatment is for. The needles are usually left in for 15 to 30 minutes.
- B. In traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances in the basic energetic flow of life — known as qi or chi — are thought to cause illness.
- C. The flow of life is believed to flow through major pathways in your body rather than nerve clusters.
- D. By inserting extremely fine needles into some of the over 400 acupuncture points in various combinations, it is believed that energy flow will rebalance to allow the body's natural healing mechanisms to take over.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The belief stated in option C is incorrect about acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on the concept of qi flowing through major pathways in the body, known as meridians, rather than nerve clusters. This traditional Chinese medicine practice aims to balance the flow of qi to promote health and healing. Options A, B, and D are consistent with the principles of acupuncture and are not incorrect beliefs. Option A describes the depth and duration of needle placement, option B explains the role of imbalances in qi flow causing illness, and option D outlines how acupuncture helps rebalance energy flow for the body's natural healing mechanisms.
2. Which client calling the community health clinic would the nurse ask to come in that day to be seen by the health care provider?
- A. I started my period, and now my urine has turned bright red.
- B. I am a diabetic, and today I have been going to the bathroom every hour.
- C. I was started on medicine yesterday for a urinary infection. Now my lower belly hurts when I go to the bathroom.
- D. I went to the bathroom, and my urine looked very red, and it didn't hurt when I went.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because bright red urine without pain suggests possible hematuria, which is a concerning symptom that requires immediate medical evaluation. Option A mentions bright red urine but also relates it to starting a period, which is less likely to be an urgent issue. Option B describes increased urination, which may indicate hyperglycemia but doesn't require immediate evaluation. Option C presents symptoms more related to a urinary tract infection that may not require urgent attention.
3. A client has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which of these nursing diagnoses should receive the highest priority?
- A. Risk for injury related to exophthalmos
- B. Impaired social interaction related to emotional lability
- C. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to hypermetabolism
- D. Activity intolerance related to fatigue
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Activity intolerance related to fatigue.' This nursing diagnosis should receive the highest priority for a client with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism often leads to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and muscle discomfort, which can significantly impact the client's ability to perform daily activities. Addressing activity intolerance is crucial to prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promote the client's overall well-being. Choices A, B, and C are important nursing diagnoses as well, but in the context of hyperthyroidism, addressing activity intolerance takes precedence over the risk for injury related to exophthalmos, impaired social interaction related to emotional lability, and imbalanced nutrition due to hypermetabolism.
4. A client is receiving treatment for hypertension. Which of these findings would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute
- B. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
- C. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
- D. A temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within normal limits; however, changes in breathing patterns can indicate respiratory distress, which is concerning, especially in a client receiving treatment for hypertension. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute may not be alarming if the client is at rest. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is within the normal range for a healthy adult. A temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is also considered normal, showing no immediate cause for concern in this scenario.
5. The nurse is reviewing laboratory results on a client with acute renal failure. Which one of the following should be reported immediately?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen 50 mg/dl
- B. Hemoglobin of 10.3 g/dl
- C. Venous blood pH 7.30
- D. Serum potassium 6 mEq/L
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and must be addressed promptly. The other options are not as urgent. A blood urea nitrogen level of 50 mg/dl may indicate kidney dysfunction but does not require immediate intervention. Hemoglobin of 10.3 g/dl may suggest anemia, which needs management but is not an immediate threat. A venous blood pH of 7.30 may indicate acidosis, which is concerning but not as acutely dangerous as hyperkalemia.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99