HESI RN
HESI Nutrition Practice Exam
1. A client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of these interventions should the nurse perform to reduce the risk of infection?
- A. Changing the TPN tubing and solution every 24 hours
- B. Monitoring the TPN infusion rate closely
- C. Keeping the head of the bed elevated
- D. Ensuring the solution is at room temperature before infusing
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to change the TPN tubing and solution every 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection. This practice helps prevent microbial growth and contamination in the TPN solution. Monitoring the infusion rate closely (choice B) is important for preventing metabolic complications but does not directly reduce the risk of infection. Keeping the head of the bed elevated (choice C) is beneficial for preventing aspiration in feeding tube placement but is unrelated to reducing infection risk in TPN. Ensuring the solution is at room temperature before infusing (choice D) is essential for patient comfort and preventing metabolic complications but does not specifically address infection risk reduction.
2. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about food choice with the mother of an 8-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will give my child peanut butter and mashed egg whites.
- B. I will give my child rice cereal and crackers.
- C. I will give my child pureed liver and strained pears.
- D. I will give my child applesauce and green peas.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because peanut butter and egg whites are not recommended for infants under 12 months due to the risk of choking and allergies. Choices B, C, and D are appropriate food choices for an 8-month-old infant. Rice cereal, crackers, pureed liver, strained pears, applesauce, and green peas are all suitable options for introducing solid foods to infants.
3. The nurse is monitoring a client who has just had a thyroidectomy. The client complains of tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. Which of these findings should the nurse assess first?
- A. Calcium level
- B. Chvostek's sign
- C. Trousseau's sign
- D. Serum potassium level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Chvostek's sign. This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy due to injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications like tetany and laryngospasm, necessitating immediate attention. Assessing Chvostek's sign helps in early identification and management of hypocalcemia. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. While assessing the calcium level is important for diagnosing hypocalcemia, the immediate concern is to identify clinical signs like Chvostek's sign, which indicate acute hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is also related to hypocalcemia but is not the most critical sign to assess first. Serum potassium level, although important for overall electrolyte balance, is not directly related to the client's current symptoms of tingling in the fingers and around the mouth.
4. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is being treated with anticoagulants. Which of these findings is most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Presence of bruising on the arms and legs
- B. The client reports new onset of severe headache
- C. The client reports pain and swelling in the calf
- D. The client reports increased urination
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because pain and swelling in the calf can indicate a new or worsening DVT, requiring immediate attention. Bruising on the arms and legs may be a common side effect of anticoagulants but is not as concerning as a potential DVT. Severe headache may indicate other conditions like a migraine or hypertension and is not directly related to DVT. Increased urination is not typically associated with DVT and may point towards other health issues like diabetes or urinary tract infections.
5. A nurse is assisting with the development of an education program for a community group about intake of vitamins and minerals in the diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend as the best source of vitamin C?
- A. ½ cup green pepper
- B. 1 medium orange
- C. ½ cup cabbage
- D. 1 medium tomato
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 1 medium orange. Oranges are well-known for being rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function and skin health. While choices A, C, and D also contain some vitamin C, the medium orange provides a higher amount of this vitamin compared to a ½ cup of green pepper, ½ cup of cabbage, or a medium tomato.
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