HESI RN
HESI Nutrition Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. A healthcare provider caring for a client with severe malnutrition reviews the laboratory results and notes a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL. Which electrocardiographic change would the healthcare provider expect to note based on the magnesium level?
- A. Prominent U waves
- B. Prolonged PR interval
- C. Depressed ST segment
- D. Widened QRS complexes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL can cause a depressed ST segment on the ECG. Magnesium deficiency commonly leads to ST segment depression on an electrocardiogram. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia, prolonged PR interval is seen in conditions like first-degree heart block, and widened QRS complexes are typically related to conditions affecting the conduction system of the heart, such as bundle branch blocks.
3. A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril (Zestril). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- B. Avoid taking the medication with grapefruit juice.
- C. Monitor blood pressure regularly.
- D. Report any swelling of the lips or face.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan is to 'Report any swelling of the lips or face.' Lisinopril (Zestril) can cause angioedema, which is swelling of the lips or face. This is a serious side effect that should be reported immediately. Clients do not need to avoid potassium-rich foods unless instructed by their healthcare provider, should avoid taking the medication with grapefruit juice, and should monitor their blood pressure regularly, not just weekly.
4. A nurse is providing instructions to an adolescent who has a history of seizures and is taking an anticonvulsant medication. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the instructions?
- A. I will never be able to drive a car.
- B. My anticonvulsant medication will clear up my skin.
- C. I can't drink alcohol while I am taking my medication.
- D. If I forget my morning medication, I can take two pills at bedtime.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I can't drink alcohol while I am taking my medication.' Alcohol can lower the seizure threshold and should be avoided by individuals taking anticonvulsants. Choice A is incorrect because it is an extreme statement and not necessary for someone taking anticonvulsants. Choice B is incorrect as anticonvulsant medications are not used to clear skin conditions. Choice D is incorrect because doubling up medication doses can be harmful and should not be done without healthcare provider approval.
5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding is most indicative of this diagnosis?
- A. Epigastric pain that radiates to the back.
- B. Abdominal pain with guarding.
- C. Nausea and vomiting.
- D. Increased bowel sounds in all quadrants.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Epigastric pain that radiates to the back (A) is the hallmark assessment finding of acute pancreatitis. The pancreas lies retroperitoneally in the upper abdomen, so inflammation often causes severe epigastric pain that radiates through to the back. While abdominal pain with guarding (B), nausea and vomiting (C), and increased bowel sounds (D) can also be present in acute pancreatitis, they are less specific and may be seen in various other gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, the most indicative finding for acute pancreatitis is epigastric pain that radiates to the back.