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HESI/SAUNDERS MODULE 7: BASIC CARE
AND COMFORT-CERTIFIED EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026
The nurse is instructing a client with hypertension about foods that are low in
sodium. Which menu selections by the client indicate to the nurse that the client
understands what has been taught? Select all that apply.
a. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
b. Boiled lobster with baked potato
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
d. Instant hot cereal with bacon
e. Tomato soup with a ham sandwich - correct-answer -a. Spaghetti with fresh
tomatoes
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
Rationale: Foods that are lower in sodium include fruits and vegetables, which do
not contain physiologic saline. Fresh poultry and pastas are also low in sodium.
Highly processed and refined foods and luncheon meats are high in sodium unless
they are specifically labeled "low sodium." Saltwater fish and shellfish are higher
in sodium.
A nurse has provided dietary instructions to a client with a new diagnosis of gout.
Which menu suggestions by the client indicate to the nurse that the client needs
additional instruction? Select all that apply.
a. Carrots
b. Tapioca
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c. Scallops
d. Broccoli
e. Chicken liver - correct-answer -c. Scallops
e. Chicken Liver
Rationale: Organ meats such as liver, as well as certain sea foods, including
scallops, sardines, and herring, should be omitted from the diet of the client who
with gout because of the high purine content. The foods identified in the other
options contain negligible amounts of purines and may be consumed freely by the
client with gout.
A clear liquid diet has been prescribed for client who has just undergone surgery.
Which foods should the nurse offer to the client? Select all that apply.
a. Custard
b. Apple juice
c. Orange juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
f. Vanilla ice cream - correct-answer -b. Apple juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
Rationale: A clear liquid diet consists of foods, such as apple juice, chicken broth,
and gelatin, which are relatively transparent. Custard, orange juice, and vanilla ice
cream are components of a full liquid diet.
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Triamterene has been prescribed for a client with a history of hypertension.
Which fruits should the nurse tell the client are acceptable to eat while taking this
medication? Select all that apply.
a. Prunes
b. Apples
c. Peaches
d. Avocados
e. Nectarines
f. Cranberries - correct-answer -b. Apples
c. Peaches
f. Cranberries
Rationale: Triamterene is a potassium-retaining diuretic, so the client should
avoid foods high in potassium. Fruits that are naturally high in potassium include
dried prunes, avocado, bananas, fresh oranges and mangoes, nectarines, and
papayas.
Diverticulitis has been diagnosed in a client who has been experiencing episodes
of gastrointestinal cramping. The nurse should tell the client to maintain which
type of diet, during the asymptomatic period?
a. Low in fat
b. High in fiber
c. Low in residue
d. High in carbohydrates - correct-answer -b. High in fiber
Rationale: When a client's diverticulitis is asymptomatic, a soft high-fiber diet
containing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. The client is also
instructed to consume a small amount of bran daily and to take bulk-forming
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laxatives, if prescribed, to increase stool mass and softness. Increasing fluid intake
to 2500 to 3000 mL daily (unless contraindicated) is also important. A low-fat diet
may be healthy but is not specific to this disorder. A high-carbohydrate diet is not
helpful for the client with this condition.
A nurse is teaching a client with heart disease about a low-fat diet. Which foods
should the nurse tell the client are acceptable to eat? Select all that apply.
a. Avocados
b. Baked tuna
c. Green olives
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
f. Cream cheese - correct-answer -b. Baked tuna
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
Rationale: Fruits and vegetables tend to be lower in fat because they do not come
from animal sources, although olives, though technically a fruit, are high in fat (as
are avocados), and fish is also naturally lower in fat. Meats and dairy products
(e.g., cream cheese) are higher in fat, although modifications can be made to
these foods to reduce their fat content.
A client with atrial fibrillation has been placed on warfarin sodium. As part of the
instructions for the medication, which foods does the nurse tell the client are
acceptable to eat? Select all that apply.
a. Lettuce
HESI/SAUNDERS MODULE 7: BASIC CARE
AND COMFORT-CERTIFIED EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026
The nurse is instructing a client with hypertension about foods that are low in
sodium. Which menu selections by the client indicate to the nurse that the client
understands what has been taught? Select all that apply.
a. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
b. Boiled lobster with baked potato
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
d. Instant hot cereal with bacon
e. Tomato soup with a ham sandwich - correct-answer -a. Spaghetti with fresh
tomatoes
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
Rationale: Foods that are lower in sodium include fruits and vegetables, which do
not contain physiologic saline. Fresh poultry and pastas are also low in sodium.
Highly processed and refined foods and luncheon meats are high in sodium unless
they are specifically labeled "low sodium." Saltwater fish and shellfish are higher
in sodium.
A nurse has provided dietary instructions to a client with a new diagnosis of gout.
Which menu suggestions by the client indicate to the nurse that the client needs
additional instruction? Select all that apply.
a. Carrots
b. Tapioca
,2|Page
c. Scallops
d. Broccoli
e. Chicken liver - correct-answer -c. Scallops
e. Chicken Liver
Rationale: Organ meats such as liver, as well as certain sea foods, including
scallops, sardines, and herring, should be omitted from the diet of the client who
with gout because of the high purine content. The foods identified in the other
options contain negligible amounts of purines and may be consumed freely by the
client with gout.
A clear liquid diet has been prescribed for client who has just undergone surgery.
Which foods should the nurse offer to the client? Select all that apply.
a. Custard
b. Apple juice
c. Orange juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
f. Vanilla ice cream - correct-answer -b. Apple juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
Rationale: A clear liquid diet consists of foods, such as apple juice, chicken broth,
and gelatin, which are relatively transparent. Custard, orange juice, and vanilla ice
cream are components of a full liquid diet.
,3|Page
Triamterene has been prescribed for a client with a history of hypertension.
Which fruits should the nurse tell the client are acceptable to eat while taking this
medication? Select all that apply.
a. Prunes
b. Apples
c. Peaches
d. Avocados
e. Nectarines
f. Cranberries - correct-answer -b. Apples
c. Peaches
f. Cranberries
Rationale: Triamterene is a potassium-retaining diuretic, so the client should
avoid foods high in potassium. Fruits that are naturally high in potassium include
dried prunes, avocado, bananas, fresh oranges and mangoes, nectarines, and
papayas.
Diverticulitis has been diagnosed in a client who has been experiencing episodes
of gastrointestinal cramping. The nurse should tell the client to maintain which
type of diet, during the asymptomatic period?
a. Low in fat
b. High in fiber
c. Low in residue
d. High in carbohydrates - correct-answer -b. High in fiber
Rationale: When a client's diverticulitis is asymptomatic, a soft high-fiber diet
containing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. The client is also
instructed to consume a small amount of bran daily and to take bulk-forming
, 4|Page
laxatives, if prescribed, to increase stool mass and softness. Increasing fluid intake
to 2500 to 3000 mL daily (unless contraindicated) is also important. A low-fat diet
may be healthy but is not specific to this disorder. A high-carbohydrate diet is not
helpful for the client with this condition.
A nurse is teaching a client with heart disease about a low-fat diet. Which foods
should the nurse tell the client are acceptable to eat? Select all that apply.
a. Avocados
b. Baked tuna
c. Green olives
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
f. Cream cheese - correct-answer -b. Baked tuna
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
Rationale: Fruits and vegetables tend to be lower in fat because they do not come
from animal sources, although olives, though technically a fruit, are high in fat (as
are avocados), and fish is also naturally lower in fat. Meats and dairy products
(e.g., cream cheese) are higher in fat, although modifications can be made to
these foods to reduce their fat content.
A client with atrial fibrillation has been placed on warfarin sodium. As part of the
instructions for the medication, which foods does the nurse tell the client are
acceptable to eat? Select all that apply.
a. Lettuce
