HESI RN
Nutrition HESI Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care of a client who has had a stroke. The client is experiencing severe dysphagia with choking and coughing while eating. Which of the following nutritional therapies should the nurse expect to include in the plan of care?
- A. NPO until dysphagia subsides
- B. Supplements via NG tube
- C. Initiation of total parenteral nutrition
- D. Mechanical soft diet
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mechanical soft diet. A mechanical soft diet is appropriate for clients with severe dysphagia as it helps reduce the risk of choking and aspiration by providing food that is easier to swallow. Choice A, NPO until dysphagia subsides, may be necessary initially but is not a long-term solution. Choice B, supplements via NG tube, may be considered if the client is unable to meet their nutritional needs orally, but it does not address the texture modification needed for dysphagia. Choice C, initiation of total parenteral nutrition, is typically reserved for clients who cannot tolerate any oral intake and is not the first-line option for dysphagia management.
3. A client with hypertension taking a potassium-wasting diuretic is being educated about nutrition by a nurse. Which of the following dietary instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Increase consumption of tuna and salmon.
- B. Limit intake of dried fruits.
- C. Avoid cow's milk.
- D. Consume organs and bananas
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Consume organs and bananas.' When a client is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic, they are at risk of potassium loss. Consuming foods high in potassium, such as organs and bananas, can help counteract this loss. Choice A is incorrect because tuna and salmon are not particularly high in potassium. Choice B is incorrect because dried fruits are good sources of potassium. Choice C is incorrect as cow's milk is also a good source of potassium, which could be beneficial for a client taking a potassium-wasting diuretic.
4. A client is being treated for congestive heart failure with furosemide (Lasix). Which of these findings would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Increased urine output
- B. Decreased appetite
- C. Weight loss of 2 kg in 24 hours
- D. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A rapid weight loss of 2 kg in 24 hours suggests significant fluid loss, which is concerning in clients on diuretics like furosemide. Increased urine output (choice A) is an expected effect of diuretic therapy. Decreased appetite (choice B) is a common side effect but not as concerning as rapid weight loss. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg (choice D) is slightly elevated but not the most concerning finding in a client being treated for congestive heart failure with furosemide.
5. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with hypertension. Which of these statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will limit my intake of high-sodium foods.
- B. I will take my medications as prescribed by my healthcare provider.
- C. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly and keep a record to show my healthcare provider.
- D. I will limit my intake of high-fat foods.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because limiting high-sodium foods is essential in managing hypertension and preventing complications. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure levels. Choice B is important too, but solely relying on medications without lifestyle modifications may not be as effective in controlling hypertension. Choice C is also crucial for monitoring progress, but without dietary changes, blood pressure control may be challenging. Choice D, limiting high-fat foods, is beneficial for overall health but is not as directly related to managing hypertension as limiting high-sodium foods.
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