WGU D440 – HESI NUTRITION OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT (OA) EXAM
/WGU D440 HESI EXAM PREPARATION 300 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED ANSWERS & RATIONALES 2026 EDITION
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION
(Macronutrients, Energy Balance, Digestion)
Questions 1–40
1. Which of the following best defines the science of nutrition?
A) The study of how food is processed and packaged for commercial distribution
B) The intake of food, considered in relation to the body's dietary needs and its
effects on health
C) The practice of eliminating specific food groups to achieve rapid weight loss
D) The study of agricultural methods and food production
Answer: B
Rationale: Nutrition science focuses on the biochemical and physiological
processes by which the body uses food to support life, growth, and health.
Options A and D relate to food technology and agriculture, while C describes a fad
diet, not a science.
2. A nurse is teaching a client about macronutrients. Which of the following
correctly describes the energy yield of each macronutrient?
A) Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 9 kcal/g, Fats: 4 kcal/g
B) Carbohydrates: 9 kcal/g, Proteins: 4 kcal/g, Fats: 4 kcal/g
C) Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 4 kcal/g, Fats: 9 kcal/g
D) Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 9 kcal/g, Fats: 9 kcal/g
Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates and proteins each provide 4 kilocalories per gram. Fats
(lipids) provide 9 kilocalories per gram, making them the most energy-dense
macronutrient. Alcohol provides 7 kcal/g but is not a nutrient.
3. A client asks the nurse, "What is the most concentrated source of energy for
the body?" What is the correct response?
A) Glucose
B) Protein
C) Adipose tissue (triglycerides)
D) Glycogen
,Answer: C
Rationale: Adipose tissue stores triglycerides (fats), which provide 9 kcal/g.
Glucose and glycogen (stored carbohydrates) only provide 4 kcal/g and are limited
in supply. Protein is used primarily for structure and repair, not as a primary
energy source.
4. Which of the following is NOT classified as a macronutrient?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Fats
D) Vitamins
Answer: D
Rationale: Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) are required in
large amounts and provide structural components and energy. Vitamins and
minerals are micronutrients required in small amounts for metabolic regulation.
5. A nurse is calculating a client's body mass index (BMI). The client weighs 176
lbs and is 5 feet 10 inches tall. What is the client's BMI (rounded to the nearest
tenth)?
A) 22.5
B) 24.5
C) 25.2
D) 27.8
Answer: C
Rationale: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²). 176 lbs / 2.2 = 80 kg. Height = 70 inches
x 0.0254 = 1.778 m. 1.778² = 3.16. .16 = 25.31 ≈ 25.2. A BMI of 25-29.9 is
classified as overweight.
6. Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in the body?
A) Insulation and protection of vital organs
B) Primary source of energy for the brain and red blood cells
C) Synthesis of antibodies and enzymes
D) Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
Answer: B
Rationale: The brain and red blood cells rely almost exclusively on glucose (a
carbohydrate) for energy. Option A describes fat. Option C describes protein.
Option D describes minerals (electrolytes).
,7. A patient with type 2 diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting. Which
of the following food sources contains the highest amount of complex
carbohydrates?
A) White bread
B) Brown rice
C) Table sugar
D) Honey
Answer: B
Rationale: Brown rice is a whole grain containing complex carbohydrates
(starches) and fiber. White bread is refined and simpler. Table sugar and honey
are simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides).
8. Which of the following is a complete protein source?
A) Beans
B) Rice
C) Eggs
D) Peanut butter
Answer: C
Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate
proportions. Animal sources (eggs, meat, fish, poultry, dairy) are complete. Beans,
rice, and peanut butter are incomplete proteins lacking one or more essential
amino acids.
9. A nurse is educating a vegetarian client on combining incomplete proteins to
make a complete protein. Which food pair is an example of complementary
proteins?
A) Pasta with tomato sauce
B) Rice and beans
C) Salad with oil and vinegar
D) Apple and peanut butter
Answer: B
Rationale: Rice (incomplete) and beans (incomplete) together provide all essential
amino acids. Pasta with tomato sauce lacks complementary protein. Apple with
peanut butter is a snack but not a classic complementary protein pair.
10. Essential amino acids are defined as amino acids that:
, A) Are synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities
B) Must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them
C) Are only found in animal products
D) Are used exclusively for energy production
Answer: B
Rationale: Essential amino acids (9 total) cannot be synthesized by the human
body in adequate amounts and must be supplied by the diet. Non-essential amino
acids can be synthesized. Animal products contain them, but they are not
exclusive to them.
11. Which type of fatty acid is considered most beneficial for heart health?
A) Saturated fatty acids
B) Trans fatty acids
C) Monounsaturated fatty acids
D) Cholesterol
Answer: C
Rationale: Monounsaturated (e.g., olive oil, avocados) and polyunsaturated fatty
acids (e.g., fish oil) are beneficial for heart health, lowering LDL cholesterol.
Saturated and trans fats increase LDL and cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol is a
sterol, not a fatty acid.
12. A nurse is teaching a client about dietary cholesterol. Which statement is
accurate?
A) Dietary cholesterol is found only in plant-based foods
B) Dietary cholesterol has a greater impact on blood cholesterol than saturated
fat
C) Saturated fat intake raises blood cholesterol more significantly than dietary
cholesterol
D) All cholesterol is harmful and should be completely eliminated from the diet
Answer: C
Rationale: Saturated and trans fats have a stronger effect on raising serum LDL
cholesterol than dietary cholesterol itself. Dietary cholesterol is found only in
animal products, not plants. Cholesterol is essential for cell membranes and
hormone synthesis.
13. A patient asks the nurse, "What type of fat should I avoid completely?" The
nurse's best response is:
/WGU D440 HESI EXAM PREPARATION 300 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED ANSWERS & RATIONALES 2026 EDITION
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION
(Macronutrients, Energy Balance, Digestion)
Questions 1–40
1. Which of the following best defines the science of nutrition?
A) The study of how food is processed and packaged for commercial distribution
B) The intake of food, considered in relation to the body's dietary needs and its
effects on health
C) The practice of eliminating specific food groups to achieve rapid weight loss
D) The study of agricultural methods and food production
Answer: B
Rationale: Nutrition science focuses on the biochemical and physiological
processes by which the body uses food to support life, growth, and health.
Options A and D relate to food technology and agriculture, while C describes a fad
diet, not a science.
2. A nurse is teaching a client about macronutrients. Which of the following
correctly describes the energy yield of each macronutrient?
A) Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 9 kcal/g, Fats: 4 kcal/g
B) Carbohydrates: 9 kcal/g, Proteins: 4 kcal/g, Fats: 4 kcal/g
C) Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 4 kcal/g, Fats: 9 kcal/g
D) Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g, Proteins: 9 kcal/g, Fats: 9 kcal/g
Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates and proteins each provide 4 kilocalories per gram. Fats
(lipids) provide 9 kilocalories per gram, making them the most energy-dense
macronutrient. Alcohol provides 7 kcal/g but is not a nutrient.
3. A client asks the nurse, "What is the most concentrated source of energy for
the body?" What is the correct response?
A) Glucose
B) Protein
C) Adipose tissue (triglycerides)
D) Glycogen
,Answer: C
Rationale: Adipose tissue stores triglycerides (fats), which provide 9 kcal/g.
Glucose and glycogen (stored carbohydrates) only provide 4 kcal/g and are limited
in supply. Protein is used primarily for structure and repair, not as a primary
energy source.
4. Which of the following is NOT classified as a macronutrient?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Fats
D) Vitamins
Answer: D
Rationale: Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) are required in
large amounts and provide structural components and energy. Vitamins and
minerals are micronutrients required in small amounts for metabolic regulation.
5. A nurse is calculating a client's body mass index (BMI). The client weighs 176
lbs and is 5 feet 10 inches tall. What is the client's BMI (rounded to the nearest
tenth)?
A) 22.5
B) 24.5
C) 25.2
D) 27.8
Answer: C
Rationale: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²). 176 lbs / 2.2 = 80 kg. Height = 70 inches
x 0.0254 = 1.778 m. 1.778² = 3.16. .16 = 25.31 ≈ 25.2. A BMI of 25-29.9 is
classified as overweight.
6. Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in the body?
A) Insulation and protection of vital organs
B) Primary source of energy for the brain and red blood cells
C) Synthesis of antibodies and enzymes
D) Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
Answer: B
Rationale: The brain and red blood cells rely almost exclusively on glucose (a
carbohydrate) for energy. Option A describes fat. Option C describes protein.
Option D describes minerals (electrolytes).
,7. A patient with type 2 diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting. Which
of the following food sources contains the highest amount of complex
carbohydrates?
A) White bread
B) Brown rice
C) Table sugar
D) Honey
Answer: B
Rationale: Brown rice is a whole grain containing complex carbohydrates
(starches) and fiber. White bread is refined and simpler. Table sugar and honey
are simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides).
8. Which of the following is a complete protein source?
A) Beans
B) Rice
C) Eggs
D) Peanut butter
Answer: C
Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate
proportions. Animal sources (eggs, meat, fish, poultry, dairy) are complete. Beans,
rice, and peanut butter are incomplete proteins lacking one or more essential
amino acids.
9. A nurse is educating a vegetarian client on combining incomplete proteins to
make a complete protein. Which food pair is an example of complementary
proteins?
A) Pasta with tomato sauce
B) Rice and beans
C) Salad with oil and vinegar
D) Apple and peanut butter
Answer: B
Rationale: Rice (incomplete) and beans (incomplete) together provide all essential
amino acids. Pasta with tomato sauce lacks complementary protein. Apple with
peanut butter is a snack but not a classic complementary protein pair.
10. Essential amino acids are defined as amino acids that:
, A) Are synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities
B) Must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them
C) Are only found in animal products
D) Are used exclusively for energy production
Answer: B
Rationale: Essential amino acids (9 total) cannot be synthesized by the human
body in adequate amounts and must be supplied by the diet. Non-essential amino
acids can be synthesized. Animal products contain them, but they are not
exclusive to them.
11. Which type of fatty acid is considered most beneficial for heart health?
A) Saturated fatty acids
B) Trans fatty acids
C) Monounsaturated fatty acids
D) Cholesterol
Answer: C
Rationale: Monounsaturated (e.g., olive oil, avocados) and polyunsaturated fatty
acids (e.g., fish oil) are beneficial for heart health, lowering LDL cholesterol.
Saturated and trans fats increase LDL and cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol is a
sterol, not a fatty acid.
12. A nurse is teaching a client about dietary cholesterol. Which statement is
accurate?
A) Dietary cholesterol is found only in plant-based foods
B) Dietary cholesterol has a greater impact on blood cholesterol than saturated
fat
C) Saturated fat intake raises blood cholesterol more significantly than dietary
cholesterol
D) All cholesterol is harmful and should be completely eliminated from the diet
Answer: C
Rationale: Saturated and trans fats have a stronger effect on raising serum LDL
cholesterol than dietary cholesterol itself. Dietary cholesterol is found only in
animal products, not plants. Cholesterol is essential for cell membranes and
hormone synthesis.
13. A patient asks the nurse, "What type of fat should I avoid completely?" The
nurse's best response is:
