HESI NUTRITION ACTUAL EXAM
2024-2025
140 Questions with Detailed Answers and Rationales -
Rated A Grade
Question 1: A client asks which foods are rich in complex carbohydrates. Which food should the nurse
recommend?
A) White bread
B) Whole-grain pasta
C) Fruit juice
D) Candy
Correct Answer: B) Whole-grain pasta
Explanation: Whole-grain pasta is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy and fiber.
White bread and candy are simple carbohydrates, while fruit juice contains mostly simple sugars.
Question 2: Which micronutrient enhances iron absorption when consumed together?
A) Vitamin D
B) Vitamin C
C) Calcium
,D) Zinc
Correct Answer: B) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption by reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron,
which is more easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa.
Question 3: A client with a vitamin B12 deficiency should increase intake of which food?
A) Spinach
B) Oranges
C) Liver
D) Whole grains
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Explanation: Liver is an excellent source of vitamin B12, containing high amounts of this essential
nutrient needed for red blood cell formation and neurological function.
Question 4: What is the primary role of dietary fiber?
A) Provides energy
B) Promotes bowel regularity
C) Enhances protein synthesis
D) Regulates blood glucose
Correct Answer: B) Promotes bowel regularity
Explanation: Dietary fiber adds bulk to stool and increases water content, promoting regular bowel
movements and preventing constipation.
,Question 5: Which food is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids?
A) Beef
B) Salmon
C) Butter
D) Avocado
Correct Answer: B) Salmon
Explanation: Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which
support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Question 6: A client is deficient in vitamin D. Which food should the nurse recommend?
A) Fortified milk
B) Broccoli
C) Apples
D) Rice
Correct Answer: A) Fortified milk
Explanation: Fortified milk is an excellent dietary source of vitamin D, providing approximately 100 IU
per 8-ounce serving to support bone health.
Question 7: Which nutrient is critical for wound healing?
A) Vitamin K
B) Protein
, C) Vitamin E
D) Magnesium
Correct Answer: B) Protein
Explanation: Protein provides amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and
immune function during the wound healing process.
Question 8: A client asks about foods high in potassium. Which should the nurse recommend?
A) Bananas
B) White rice
C) Corn oil
D) Lettuce
Correct Answer: A) Bananas
Explanation: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, providing approximately 422 mg per
medium banana to support heart and muscle function.
Question 9: What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the diet?
A) Build muscle
B) Provide energy
C) Regulate hormones
D) Support bone health
Correct Answer: B) Provide energy
2024-2025
140 Questions with Detailed Answers and Rationales -
Rated A Grade
Question 1: A client asks which foods are rich in complex carbohydrates. Which food should the nurse
recommend?
A) White bread
B) Whole-grain pasta
C) Fruit juice
D) Candy
Correct Answer: B) Whole-grain pasta
Explanation: Whole-grain pasta is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy and fiber.
White bread and candy are simple carbohydrates, while fruit juice contains mostly simple sugars.
Question 2: Which micronutrient enhances iron absorption when consumed together?
A) Vitamin D
B) Vitamin C
C) Calcium
,D) Zinc
Correct Answer: B) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption by reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron,
which is more easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa.
Question 3: A client with a vitamin B12 deficiency should increase intake of which food?
A) Spinach
B) Oranges
C) Liver
D) Whole grains
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Explanation: Liver is an excellent source of vitamin B12, containing high amounts of this essential
nutrient needed for red blood cell formation and neurological function.
Question 4: What is the primary role of dietary fiber?
A) Provides energy
B) Promotes bowel regularity
C) Enhances protein synthesis
D) Regulates blood glucose
Correct Answer: B) Promotes bowel regularity
Explanation: Dietary fiber adds bulk to stool and increases water content, promoting regular bowel
movements and preventing constipation.
,Question 5: Which food is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids?
A) Beef
B) Salmon
C) Butter
D) Avocado
Correct Answer: B) Salmon
Explanation: Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which
support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Question 6: A client is deficient in vitamin D. Which food should the nurse recommend?
A) Fortified milk
B) Broccoli
C) Apples
D) Rice
Correct Answer: A) Fortified milk
Explanation: Fortified milk is an excellent dietary source of vitamin D, providing approximately 100 IU
per 8-ounce serving to support bone health.
Question 7: Which nutrient is critical for wound healing?
A) Vitamin K
B) Protein
, C) Vitamin E
D) Magnesium
Correct Answer: B) Protein
Explanation: Protein provides amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and
immune function during the wound healing process.
Question 8: A client asks about foods high in potassium. Which should the nurse recommend?
A) Bananas
B) White rice
C) Corn oil
D) Lettuce
Correct Answer: A) Bananas
Explanation: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, providing approximately 422 mg per
medium banana to support heart and muscle function.
Question 9: What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the diet?
A) Build muscle
B) Provide energy
C) Regulate hormones
D) Support bone health
Correct Answer: B) Provide energy
