HESI NUTRITION ACTUAL EXAM 140 QUESTION AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES RATED A GRADE.
1. Question:
A patient is diagnosed with malnutrition. Which of the following
interventions is most appropriate for the nurse to implement first?
A) Provide enteral feeding
B) Increase the patient's protein intake
C) Establish a baseline nutritional assessment
D) Administer multivitamin supplements
Answer: C) Establish a baseline nutritional assessment
Rationale: Before making any changes to the patient’s diet or providing
supplements, it’s essential to conduct a thorough nutritional
assessment. This helps identify the specific nutritional needs and any
deficiencies, which will guide further interventions such as increasing
protein intake or providing enteral feeding.
2. Question:
Which of the following foods is the best source of vitamin C?
A) Whole grain bread
B) Oranges
C) Eggs
D) Milk
Answer: B) Oranges
Rationale: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is crucial for immune
function, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. Whole grains and milk
contain other nutrients, but not a significant amount of vitamin C.
,3. Question:
A nurse is educating a patient about the importance of folic acid during
pregnancy. Which of the following is the primary reason for this
recommendation?
A) Prevents neural tube defects
B) Reduces the risk of preterm labor
C) Decreases the risk of gestational diabetes
D) Enhances the absorption of calcium
Answer: A) Prevents neural tube defects
Rationale: Folic acid is crucial for the development of the neural tube,
which becomes the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake
during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects
in the developing fetus.
4. Question:
A patient with diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting. The
patient is taught to recognize which of the following foods as a source
of carbohydrate?
A) Chicken breast
B) Cottage cheese
C) Apple
D) Spinach
Answer: C) Apple
Rationale: An apple is a carbohydrate-rich food, while chicken breast,
cottage cheese, and spinach are primarily sources of protein and fat.
, Carbohydrates are a key nutrient for blood sugar regulation in diabetes
management.
5. Question:
A patient with heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which of
the following foods should the nurse recommend?
A) Canned soup
B) Fresh fruits
C) Processed cheese
D) Bacon
Answer: B) Fresh fruits
Rationale: Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium and are a good
choice for individuals with heart failure, who need to manage sodium
intake to prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms. Canned
soups, processed cheese, and bacon are typically high in sodium.
6. Question:
Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?
A) Excessive urination
B) Dry mouth
C) Increased appetite
D) Normal skin turgor
Answer: B) Dry mouth
Rationale: Dehydration typically leads to symptoms such as dry mouth,
reduced skin turgor, and decreased urine output. Increased appetite
and normal skin turgor are not typically associated with dehydration.
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES RATED A GRADE.
1. Question:
A patient is diagnosed with malnutrition. Which of the following
interventions is most appropriate for the nurse to implement first?
A) Provide enteral feeding
B) Increase the patient's protein intake
C) Establish a baseline nutritional assessment
D) Administer multivitamin supplements
Answer: C) Establish a baseline nutritional assessment
Rationale: Before making any changes to the patient’s diet or providing
supplements, it’s essential to conduct a thorough nutritional
assessment. This helps identify the specific nutritional needs and any
deficiencies, which will guide further interventions such as increasing
protein intake or providing enteral feeding.
2. Question:
Which of the following foods is the best source of vitamin C?
A) Whole grain bread
B) Oranges
C) Eggs
D) Milk
Answer: B) Oranges
Rationale: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is crucial for immune
function, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. Whole grains and milk
contain other nutrients, but not a significant amount of vitamin C.
,3. Question:
A nurse is educating a patient about the importance of folic acid during
pregnancy. Which of the following is the primary reason for this
recommendation?
A) Prevents neural tube defects
B) Reduces the risk of preterm labor
C) Decreases the risk of gestational diabetes
D) Enhances the absorption of calcium
Answer: A) Prevents neural tube defects
Rationale: Folic acid is crucial for the development of the neural tube,
which becomes the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake
during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects
in the developing fetus.
4. Question:
A patient with diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting. The
patient is taught to recognize which of the following foods as a source
of carbohydrate?
A) Chicken breast
B) Cottage cheese
C) Apple
D) Spinach
Answer: C) Apple
Rationale: An apple is a carbohydrate-rich food, while chicken breast,
cottage cheese, and spinach are primarily sources of protein and fat.
, Carbohydrates are a key nutrient for blood sugar regulation in diabetes
management.
5. Question:
A patient with heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which of
the following foods should the nurse recommend?
A) Canned soup
B) Fresh fruits
C) Processed cheese
D) Bacon
Answer: B) Fresh fruits
Rationale: Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium and are a good
choice for individuals with heart failure, who need to manage sodium
intake to prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms. Canned
soups, processed cheese, and bacon are typically high in sodium.
6. Question:
Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?
A) Excessive urination
B) Dry mouth
C) Increased appetite
D) Normal skin turgor
Answer: B) Dry mouth
Rationale: Dehydration typically leads to symptoms such as dry mouth,
reduced skin turgor, and decreased urine output. Increased appetite
and normal skin turgor are not typically associated with dehydration.
