HESI RN
HESI Nutrition Practice Exam
1. The nurse is caring for a client post appendectomy. The client has developed a fever, and the incision site is red and swollen. Which of these assessments is a priority for the nurse to perform?
- A. Check the client's blood pressure
- B. Assess the client's pain level
- C. Inspect the incision site
- D. Monitor the client's respiratory status
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Inspecting the incision site is a priority in this situation because the redness and swelling indicate a potential infection. This assessment helps the nurse determine the extent of infection and the appropriate intervention, such as administering antibiotics or notifying the healthcare provider. Checking the client's blood pressure (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority in this scenario where signs of infection are present. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice B) is also important but addressing the infection takes precedence. Monitoring the client's respiratory status (Choice D) is essential but not the priority when dealing with a localized infection at the incision site.
2. A client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotics and oxygen therapy. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Productive cough with yellow sputum.
- B. Oxygen saturation of 88%.
- C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- D. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention to improve oxygenation. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further complications. A productive cough with yellow sputum is common in pneumonia but may not require immediate intervention unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range, indicating adequate ventilation. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is also within a normal range and may not require immediate intervention unless it is accompanied by other abnormal findings.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. Which action should the nurse take to reduce the client's risk of injury?
- A. Use a 1-inch needle
- B. Select a large muscle for the injection
- C. Aspirate for blood return before injecting
- D. Massage the injection site
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to aspirate for blood return before injecting. This action helps ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel, reducing the risk of injury. Using a 1-inch needle (Choice A) is a standard length for intramuscular injections but does not directly reduce the risk of injury. Selecting a large muscle for the injection (Choice B) is important for proper medication absorption but does not directly reduce the risk of injury. Massaging the injection site (Choice D) can help with medication absorption but does not reduce the risk of injury.
4. A nurse preparing a client for surgery reviews the client's medication record. The client is to be nothing per mouth (NPO) after midnight. Which of the following medications, if noted on the client's record, should the nurse question?
- A. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- B. Alendronate (Fosamax)
- C. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
- D. Prednisone
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause adrenal atrophy, reducing the body's ability to withstand stress. During surgery, the dosage may need to be adjusted due to its impact on the body's stress response. Choices A, B, and C are not typically contraindicated before surgery and do not have the same potential impact on the body's stress response.
5. The client with type 2 DM is receiving dietary instructions from the nurse regarding the prescribed diabetic diet. The nurse determines that the client understands the instructions if the client states that:
- A. I need to skip meals if my blood glucose level is elevated.
- B. I need to eat a small meal or snack every 2 to 3 hours.
- C. I need to avoid using concentrated sweets in my diet.
- D. I need to eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I need to avoid using concentrated sweets in my diet.' Clients with type 2 diabetes should avoid concentrated sweets as they can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, which can be detrimental to their health. Option A is incorrect because skipping meals can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the specific issue of avoiding concentrated sweets. Option D is incorrect because a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is not typically recommended as the primary approach for managing type 2 diabetes.