HESI RN
Nutrition HESI Practice Exam
1. After a client has an enteral feeding tube inserted, the most accurate method for verification of placement is
- A. Abdominal x-ray
- B. Auscultation
- C. Flushing tube with saline
- D. Aspiration for gastric contents
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After the insertion of an enteral feeding tube, the most accurate method for verifying its placement is by aspirating gastric contents. This method ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach. Abdominal x-ray can provide additional confirmation but is not as immediate or practical. Auscultation and flushing the tube with saline are not as reliable as aspirating gastric contents for verifying proper placement of an enteral feeding tube.
2. An 86-year-old nursing home resident who has decreased mental status is hospitalized with pneumonic infiltrates in the right lower lobe. When the nurse assists the client with a clear liquid diet, the client begins to cough. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Add a thickening agent to the fluids
- B. Check the client's gag reflex
- C. Feed the client only solid foods
- D. Increase the rate of intravenous fluids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking the client's gag reflex is the appropriate action in this scenario. It helps assess the client's ability to swallow safely without the risk of aspiration. Adding a thickening agent to the fluids (Choice A) may be considered later if swallowing difficulties persist. Feeding the client only solid foods (Choice C) can increase the risk of aspiration in this case, and increasing the rate of intravenous fluids (Choice D) does not address the swallowing concern.
3. A 14-year-old with a history of sickle cell disease is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of vaso-occlusive crisis. Which statement by the client would be most indicative of the etiology of this crisis?
- A. I knew this would happen. I've been eating too much red meat lately.
- B. I really enjoyed my fishing trip yesterday. I caught 2 fish.
- C. I have really been working hard practicing with the debate team at school.
- D. I went to the healthcare provider last week for a cold, and I have gotten worse.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a recent illness, such as a cold, can trigger a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease. This crisis is often precipitated by infections or other illnesses that cause a systemic inflammatory response, leading to vaso-occlusion. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the etiology of a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease, making them incorrect.
4. A primigravida in the third trimester is hospitalized for preeclampsia. The nurse determines that the client's blood pressure is increasing. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Check the protein level in urine
- B. Have the client turn to the left side
- C. Take the temperature
- D. Monitor the urine output
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In cases of preeclampsia with increasing blood pressure, the priority action for the nurse is to have the client turn to the left side. This position helps improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus, reducing the risk of complications. Checking the protein level in urine (Choice A) is important for assessing preeclampsia but not the immediate priority when blood pressure is increasing. Taking the temperature (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing increased blood pressure in preeclampsia. Monitoring urine output (Choice D) is essential but not the first action to take when blood pressure is rising.
5. A nurse is caring for a new mother who is breastfeeding her term newborn. The newborn weighed 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) at birth and weighs 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) on the second day of life. The mother expresses concern about the weight loss and asks the nurse about the amount of her breast milk. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Why don't you switch to formula to ensure your baby is eating enough?
- B. It is common for new mothers to worry that they are not producing enough milk for their baby.
- C. A healthy newborn can lose 6% of his birth weight before starting to gain weight.
- D. Your newborn will need to remain in the hospital so his weight can be monitored.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A healthy newborn can lose up to 6% of their birth weight within the first few days of life, which is considered normal. This weight loss is usually due to fluid shifts and initial adjustments. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inappropriate as switching to formula is not necessary at this point. Choice B, while acknowledging the mother's concerns, does not provide factual information about newborn weight loss. Choice D is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary stress to the mother and newborn since monitoring weight loss at home is sufficient unless there are other concerns.
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