Altered Nutrition - HESI Case Study Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Altered Nutrition - HESI Case Study Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified A client with altered nutrition is experiencing unintended weight loss. What is the priority nursing action? Assess recent dietary intake and appetite changes A nurse notes a patient has poor wound healing. What should be assessed first? Nutritional status and protein intake history A patient reports early satiety and decreased appetite. What intervention should the nurse consider? Offer small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals A client receiving tube feeding begins to have abdominal distension. What should the nurse do? Stop the feeding and assess for residual volume 2 A nurse observes a patient with altered nutrition who appears fatigued during meals. What intervention is best? Provide rest before and during mealtime A patient with difficulty swallowing is at risk for aspiration. What is the priority action? Place the client in an upright position during feeding A nurse caring for a malnourished client notes thinning hair and brittle nails. What does this indicate? Prolonged inadequate nutrient intake A patient with altered nutrition states they have no interest in eating. What is an appropriate nursing intervention? Encourage family involvement during mealtimes A client receiving parenteral nutrition develops a fever. What is the nurse’s first concern? Possible catheter-related infection 3 A patient with severe nausea refuses meals. What should the nurse do first? Offer bland, cool foods and fluids in small amounts A client with altered nutrition reports food tasting metallic. What is the best intervention? Suggest using plastic utensils to reduce taste changes A nurse notes a patient with poor oral intake and significant weight loss. What diagnostic test might be most helpful? Serum albumin or prealbumin levels A patient on chemotherapy complains of painful mouth sores. What should the nurse recommend? Soft, non-acidic foods and mouth rinses with saline A nurse suspects malnutrition in a client. What is the best anthropometric measure to assess? Body mass index (BMI) A patient with altered nutrition is at risk for pressure injuries. What intervention is priority? 4 Increase protein intake to support skin integrity A client reports persistent diarrhea after enteral feeding. What is the nurse’s priority action? Check the feeding formula rate and type for tolerance A malnourished patient is admitted with edema. What does this most likely indicate? Low serum protein levels causing fluid shifts A nurse notes a patient is losing muscle mass. What intervention is most important? Encourage protein-rich foods or supplements A client with altered nutrition complains of food insecurity. What is the best nursing action? Refer the patient to a community nutrition support