HESI RN
HESI Nutrition Practice Exam
1. After a myocardial infarction, a client is placed on a sodium-restricted diet. When the nurse is teaching the client about the diet, which meal plan would be the most appropriate?
- A. 3 oz. broiled fish, 1 baked potato, 1/2 cup canned beets, 1 orange, and milk
- B. 3 oz. canned salmon, fresh broccoli, 1 biscuit, tea, and 1 apple
- C. A bologna sandwich, fresh eggplant, 2 oz fresh fruit, tea, and apple juice
- D. 3 oz. turkey, 1 fresh sweet potato, 1/2 cup fresh green beans, milk, and 1 orange
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate meal plan for a client following a myocardial infarction and placed on a sodium-restricted diet should include fresh ingredients with low sodium content to promote heart health. Option D, which consists of 3 oz. turkey, 1 fresh sweet potato, 1/2 cup fresh green beans, milk, and 1 orange, aligns best with these requirements. Option A contains canned beets, which are typically high in sodium. Option B includes canned salmon, which may have added sodium. Option C has a bologna sandwich, which is processed and high in sodium. Therefore, Option D is the most suitable choice for a client needing a low-sodium diet after a heart attack.
2. 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.
3. A client is receiving treatment for hypothyroidism. Which of these assessments would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Heart rate of 70 beats per minute
- B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
- C. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
- D. Temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg would be most concerning to the nurse because changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening hypothyroidism, potentially leading to complications such as myxedema coma. A heart rate of 70 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit are within normal ranges and not typically directly associated with hypothyroidism complications.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a group of older adults about oil-rich foods. The nurse should include which of the following foods as the equivalent of 4 tsp of oil?
- A. 1 tbsp of soft margarine
- B. ½ oz of nuts
- C. 2 tbsp of peanut butter
- D. 1 oz of sunflower seeds
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 2 tbsp of peanut butter. Two tablespoons of peanut butter is approximately equivalent to 4 teaspoons of oil, providing healthy fats in the diet. Choice A, 1 tbsp of soft margarine, is not equivalent to 4 tsp of oil as margarine contains additional ingredients. Choice B, ½ oz of nuts, and choice D, 1 oz of sunflower seeds, do not provide an equivalent amount of oil as requested in the question.
5. What should a client with diarrhea avoid consuming?
- A. Orange juice
- B. Tuna
- C. Eggs
- D. Macaroni
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A client with diarrhea should avoid consuming orange juice. Orange juice is high in sugar content, which can worsen diarrhea symptoms by drawing water into the intestines, potentially leading to further dehydration and discomfort. Tuna, eggs, and macaroni are generally well-tolerated and do not exacerbate diarrhea symptoms, making them more suitable food choices for individuals experiencing diarrhea.
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