HESI RN
HESI Nutrition Practice Exam
1. The client is being taught to select foods rich in potassium to help prevent digitalis toxicity. Which choice indicates the client understands dietary needs?
- A. Three apricots
- B. Medium banana
- C. Naval orange
- D. Baked potato
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A baked potato is high in potassium and helps prevent digitalis toxicity by maintaining adequate potassium levels. While choices A, B, and C all contain some potassium, a baked potato is a more concentrated source of potassium compared to three apricots, a medium banana, or a naval orange. Therefore, the client should choose a baked potato to better meet the dietary needs for preventing digitalis toxicity.
2. A nurse reinforces discharge instructions to a postoperative client who is taking warfarin sodium (Coumadin). Which statement, if made by the client, reflects the need for further teaching?
- A. I will take my pills every day at the same time.
- B. I will be certain to avoid alcohol consumption.
- C. I have already called my family to pick up a Medic-Alert bracelet.
- D. I will take Ecotrin (enteric-coated aspirin) for my headaches because it is coated.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Ecotrin is an aspirin-containing product and should be avoided. Clients should avoid alcohol consumption, take prescribed medication at the same time each day, and use a Medic-Alert bracelet for emergency information.
3. The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child with Reye’s syndrome. Which goal of treatment most clearly relates to caring for this child?
- A. Reduce cerebral edema and lower intracranial pressure
- B. Avert hypotension and septic shock
- C. Prevent cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure
- D. Promote kidney perfusion and normal blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Reducing cerebral edema and lowering intracranial pressure is the primary goal of treatment for Reye’s syndrome.
4. After teaching a client with early polycystic kidney disease (PKD) about nutritional therapy, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will take a laxative every night before going to bed.
- B. I must increase my intake of dietary fiber and fluids.
- C. I shall only use salt when I am cooking my own food.
- D. I’ll eat white bread to minimize gastrointestinal gas.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer. Clients with PKD often experience constipation, which can be managed by increasing their intake of dietary fiber and fluids. This helps promote bowel regularity. Laxatives should be used cautiously and not as a routine solution. Choice A is incorrect as regular laxative use is not recommended. Choice C is incorrect as a low-salt diet is typically advised for clients with PKD, not just limiting salt while cooking. Choice D is incorrect as white bread is low in fiber and not beneficial for managing constipation, which is common in PKD.
5. A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which intervention should the nurse include to manage the client's nausea?
- A. Administer an antiemetic before meals
- B. Provide frequent mouth care
- C. Encourage small, frequent meals
- D. Offer clear liquids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering an antiemetic before meals is a crucial intervention to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea. Antiemetics are medications specifically designed to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. By administering the antiemetic before meals, the nurse can help prevent the onset of nausea, allowing the client to eat more comfortably. Providing frequent mouth care (Choice B) is important for maintaining oral hygiene but does not directly address nausea. Encouraging small, frequent meals (Choice C) and offering clear liquids (Choice D) are generally recommended for clients experiencing nausea, but administering an antiemetic is a more targeted approach to specifically address and manage the symptom.