NCLEX/EXIT EXAM Study QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
The nurse is instructing a client with hypertension about foods that are low in sodium.
Which menu items indicate that the client understands what has been taught?
a. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
b. Boiled lobster, baked potato
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
d. Instant hot cereal with bacon
e. Tomato soup with a ham sandwich - ANSWERSSpaghetti/fresh tomatoes
Grilled chicken, 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 such as lunch meats are high in sodium unless specifically
labeled "low sodium". Saltwater fish and shellfish are higher in sodium.
A clear liquid diet has been prescribed for a client who has just undergone surgery.
Which foods should the nurse offer? SATA
a. Custard
b. Apple juice
c. Orange juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
f. Vanilla ice cream - ANSWERSApple Juice, Chicken Broth, and Orange gelatin
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.
A nurse has provided dietary instructions to a client with a new diagnosis of gout. Which
menu suggestions by the client indicate the need for further instruction? SATA
a. Carrots
b. Tapioca
c. Scallops
d. Broccoli
,e. Chicken liver - ANSWERSScallops, Chicken liver
Rationale: Organ meats such as liver, as well as certain seafoods, including scallops,
sardines, and herring, should be omitted from the diet of a client with gout due to high
purine content. The foods identified in other options can be consumed freely by this
client.
Triamterene has been prescribed for a client with history of HTN. Which fruits should
the nurse tell the client are acceptable to eat while on this medication?
a. Prunes
b. Apples
c. Peaches
d. Avocados
e. Nectarines
f. Cranberries - ANSWERSApples, Peaches, Cranberries
Triamterene is a potassium-retaining diuretic, so the client must omit foods high in
potassium. Fruits that are naturally high in potassium include prunes, avocados,
bananas, fresh oranges, and mangoes, nectarines, and papayas.
Diverticulitis is diagnosed in a client who has been experiencing episodes of GI
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 carbs - ANSWERSHigh-fiber
When a client's diverticulitis is asymptomatic, a soft high-fiber diet containing fruits,
veggies, and whole grains is recommended. The client is also instructed to consume a
small amount of bran daily and to take bulk-forming laxatives, if prescribed, to increase
stool mass and softness. Increasing fluids to 2500-3000 mL daily is also important.
A nurse is teaching a client with heart disease about a low-fat diet. Which foods should
the client include in the diet? SATA
a. Avocados
b. Baked tuna
c. Green olives
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
f. Cream cheese - ANSWERSBaked tuna, baked potato, fresh cherries
Fruits and veggies tend to be lower in fat because they do not come from animal
sources, although olives, though technically a fruit, are high in fat along with avocados .
Fish is naturally lower in fat. Meats and dairy products such as cream cheese are higher
in fat, although modifications can be made to these foods to reduce 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? SATA
,a. Kale
b. Cherries
c. Broccoli
d. Cabbage
e. Potatoes
f. Spaghetti - ANSWERSCherries, potatoes, spaghetti
Anticoagulant medications work by antagonizing the action of vitamin K, which is
needed for clotting. When a client is taking an anticoagulant, foods high in vitamin K are
often omitted from the diet. Vitamin K is found in large amounts in green, leafy veggies
such as kale, broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and turnip greens. Cherries,
potatoes, and spaghetti are low in vitamin K.
A regular diet has been prescribed for a client with a leg fracture who has been placed
in skeletal traction. Which foods will promote wound healing?
a. Spare ribs, rice, gelatin, tea
b. Pasta, garlic bread, ginger ale
c. Chicken breast, broccoli, strawberries, milk
d. Peanutbutter and jelly sandwich, chocolate cake, tea - ANSWERSChicken breast,
broccoli, strawberries, milk
Protein and vitamin C are needed for wound healing. Poultry and milk are good sources
of protein; broccoli and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C. Peanutbutter is a
source if niacin. Gelatin, jelly, tea, and ginger ale have no nutritional value. Pasta, rice
and bread delivery complex carbs. Spare ribs may contain some protein but are high in
fat.
A client who experienced a stroke is experiencing residual dysphagia. Which food
should be removed from his meal tray?
a. Peas
b. Scrambled eggs
c. Cheese casserole
d. Mashed potatoes - ANSWERSPeas
In general, flavorful, warm, or well-chilled foods with texture stimulate swallow reflex.
Moist pastas, casseroles, egg dishes, and potatoes are usually well tolerated. Raw
veggies, chunky veggies such as diced beets, stringy veggies, and those with skin such
as corn and peas are foods commonly excluded from a diet of a client with dysphagia.
A client recovering from acute kidney injury is being discharged. The nurse determine
that the client understands the diet regimen when the client states that he will plan a diet
low in which substance?
a. Fats
b. Vitamins
c. Potassium
d. Carbs - ANSWERSPotassium
Most excretion of potassium and control of potassium balance is carried out by the
kidneys. In a client with AKI, potassium intake is limited. The primary mechanism of
potassium removal during AKI is dialysis.
, A client is resuming eating after undergoing partial gastrectomy. What measures should
the nurse tell the client to take to minimize the risk of complications? SATA
a. Lying down after eating
b. Eating high-protein foods
c. Drinking liquids with meals
d. Eating 6 small meals per day
e. Eating concentrated sweets during the day - ANSWERSLying down after meals,
eating high-protein foods, eating 6 small meals a day
The client who has undergone partial gastrectomy is at risk for dumping syndrome. This
client should be prescribed a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in
carbs. The client should lie down after meals and avoid drinking liquids with meals.
Frequent small meals are encouraged. The client should also avoid concentrated
sweets.
A client with renal calculi is instructed to follow an alkaline ash diet. Which menu choice
by the client indicates understanding?
a. Chicken, potatoes, cranberries
b. Spinach salad, milk, banana
c. Peanut butter sandwich, milk, prunes
d. Linguini with shrimp, salad, a plum - ANSWERSSpinach salad, milk, banana
In an alkaline ash diet, all fruits are allowed except cranberries, prunes, and plums. The
other options are of an acid ash diet.
A client who has sustained multiple fracture of the left leg is in skeletal traction. The
nurse has obtained an overhead trapeze to improve the client's bed mobility. To which
high-risk area must the nurse pay particular attention during assessment for indications
of pressure and skin breakdown?
a. Left heel
b. Scapulae
c. Right heel
d. Back of the head - ANSWERSRight heel
Certain areas are under pressure and at risk for breakdown in the client who is in
skeletal traction. These areas include the elbows (if they are used for repositioning) and
the heel of the unaffected leg, which is used as a brace when the client pushes up from
the bed. Other such pressure points include popliteal space, achilles tendon, and the
ischial tuberosity.
Which food should the nurse offer to a client who has been prescribed a full liquid diet?
a. Toast
b. Plain bagel
c. Cooked custard
d. Scrambled eggs - ANSWERSCooked custard
A full liquid diet consists of liquid foods that are clear or opaque liquid foods, including
those that are liquid at room temperature. Cooked custard is allowed. Toast and a bagel
are allowed on a regular diet; scrambled eggs are allowed on a soft diet.
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
The nurse is instructing a client with hypertension about foods that are low in sodium.
Which menu items indicate that the client understands what has been taught?
a. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
b. Boiled lobster, baked potato
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
d. Instant hot cereal with bacon
e. Tomato soup with a ham sandwich - ANSWERSSpaghetti/fresh tomatoes
Grilled chicken, 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 such as lunch meats are high in sodium unless specifically
labeled "low sodium". Saltwater fish and shellfish are higher in sodium.
A clear liquid diet has been prescribed for a client who has just undergone surgery.
Which foods should the nurse offer? SATA
a. Custard
b. Apple juice
c. Orange juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
f. Vanilla ice cream - ANSWERSApple Juice, Chicken Broth, and Orange gelatin
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.
A nurse has provided dietary instructions to a client with a new diagnosis of gout. Which
menu suggestions by the client indicate the need for further instruction? SATA
a. Carrots
b. Tapioca
c. Scallops
d. Broccoli
,e. Chicken liver - ANSWERSScallops, Chicken liver
Rationale: Organ meats such as liver, as well as certain seafoods, including scallops,
sardines, and herring, should be omitted from the diet of a client with gout due to high
purine content. The foods identified in other options can be consumed freely by this
client.
Triamterene has been prescribed for a client with history of HTN. Which fruits should
the nurse tell the client are acceptable to eat while on this medication?
a. Prunes
b. Apples
c. Peaches
d. Avocados
e. Nectarines
f. Cranberries - ANSWERSApples, Peaches, Cranberries
Triamterene is a potassium-retaining diuretic, so the client must omit foods high in
potassium. Fruits that are naturally high in potassium include prunes, avocados,
bananas, fresh oranges, and mangoes, nectarines, and papayas.
Diverticulitis is diagnosed in a client who has been experiencing episodes of GI
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 carbs - ANSWERSHigh-fiber
When a client's diverticulitis is asymptomatic, a soft high-fiber diet containing fruits,
veggies, and whole grains is recommended. The client is also instructed to consume a
small amount of bran daily and to take bulk-forming laxatives, if prescribed, to increase
stool mass and softness. Increasing fluids to 2500-3000 mL daily is also important.
A nurse is teaching a client with heart disease about a low-fat diet. Which foods should
the client include in the diet? SATA
a. Avocados
b. Baked tuna
c. Green olives
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
f. Cream cheese - ANSWERSBaked tuna, baked potato, fresh cherries
Fruits and veggies tend to be lower in fat because they do not come from animal
sources, although olives, though technically a fruit, are high in fat along with avocados .
Fish is naturally lower in fat. Meats and dairy products such as cream cheese are higher
in fat, although modifications can be made to these foods to reduce 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? SATA
,a. Kale
b. Cherries
c. Broccoli
d. Cabbage
e. Potatoes
f. Spaghetti - ANSWERSCherries, potatoes, spaghetti
Anticoagulant medications work by antagonizing the action of vitamin K, which is
needed for clotting. When a client is taking an anticoagulant, foods high in vitamin K are
often omitted from the diet. Vitamin K is found in large amounts in green, leafy veggies
such as kale, broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and turnip greens. Cherries,
potatoes, and spaghetti are low in vitamin K.
A regular diet has been prescribed for a client with a leg fracture who has been placed
in skeletal traction. Which foods will promote wound healing?
a. Spare ribs, rice, gelatin, tea
b. Pasta, garlic bread, ginger ale
c. Chicken breast, broccoli, strawberries, milk
d. Peanutbutter and jelly sandwich, chocolate cake, tea - ANSWERSChicken breast,
broccoli, strawberries, milk
Protein and vitamin C are needed for wound healing. Poultry and milk are good sources
of protein; broccoli and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C. Peanutbutter is a
source if niacin. Gelatin, jelly, tea, and ginger ale have no nutritional value. Pasta, rice
and bread delivery complex carbs. Spare ribs may contain some protein but are high in
fat.
A client who experienced a stroke is experiencing residual dysphagia. Which food
should be removed from his meal tray?
a. Peas
b. Scrambled eggs
c. Cheese casserole
d. Mashed potatoes - ANSWERSPeas
In general, flavorful, warm, or well-chilled foods with texture stimulate swallow reflex.
Moist pastas, casseroles, egg dishes, and potatoes are usually well tolerated. Raw
veggies, chunky veggies such as diced beets, stringy veggies, and those with skin such
as corn and peas are foods commonly excluded from a diet of a client with dysphagia.
A client recovering from acute kidney injury is being discharged. The nurse determine
that the client understands the diet regimen when the client states that he will plan a diet
low in which substance?
a. Fats
b. Vitamins
c. Potassium
d. Carbs - ANSWERSPotassium
Most excretion of potassium and control of potassium balance is carried out by the
kidneys. In a client with AKI, potassium intake is limited. The primary mechanism of
potassium removal during AKI is dialysis.
, A client is resuming eating after undergoing partial gastrectomy. What measures should
the nurse tell the client to take to minimize the risk of complications? SATA
a. Lying down after eating
b. Eating high-protein foods
c. Drinking liquids with meals
d. Eating 6 small meals per day
e. Eating concentrated sweets during the day - ANSWERSLying down after meals,
eating high-protein foods, eating 6 small meals a day
The client who has undergone partial gastrectomy is at risk for dumping syndrome. This
client should be prescribed a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in
carbs. The client should lie down after meals and avoid drinking liquids with meals.
Frequent small meals are encouraged. The client should also avoid concentrated
sweets.
A client with renal calculi is instructed to follow an alkaline ash diet. Which menu choice
by the client indicates understanding?
a. Chicken, potatoes, cranberries
b. Spinach salad, milk, banana
c. Peanut butter sandwich, milk, prunes
d. Linguini with shrimp, salad, a plum - ANSWERSSpinach salad, milk, banana
In an alkaline ash diet, all fruits are allowed except cranberries, prunes, and plums. The
other options are of an acid ash diet.
A client who has sustained multiple fracture of the left leg is in skeletal traction. The
nurse has obtained an overhead trapeze to improve the client's bed mobility. To which
high-risk area must the nurse pay particular attention during assessment for indications
of pressure and skin breakdown?
a. Left heel
b. Scapulae
c. Right heel
d. Back of the head - ANSWERSRight heel
Certain areas are under pressure and at risk for breakdown in the client who is in
skeletal traction. These areas include the elbows (if they are used for repositioning) and
the heel of the unaffected leg, which is used as a brace when the client pushes up from
the bed. Other such pressure points include popliteal space, achilles tendon, and the
ischial tuberosity.
Which food should the nurse offer to a client who has been prescribed a full liquid diet?
a. Toast
b. Plain bagel
c. Cooked custard
d. Scrambled eggs - ANSWERSCooked custard
A full liquid diet consists of liquid foods that are clear or opaque liquid foods, including
those that are liquid at room temperature. Cooked custard is allowed. Toast and a bagel
are allowed on a regular diet; scrambled eggs are allowed on a soft diet.
