NUTRITION HESI FINAL PAPER 2025/2026 QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS RANKED A+
✔✔A primary healthcare provider prescribes a low-sodium, high-potassium diet for a
client with Cushing syndrome. Which explanation should the nurse provide to the client
about the need to follow this diet? - ✔✔Excessive aldosterone and cortisone cause
retention of sodium and loss of potassium."
Clients with Cushing syndrome must limit their intake of salt and increase their intake of
potassium. The kidneys are retaining sodium and excreting potassium. An excessive
secretion of adrenocortical hormones in Cushing syndrome, not increased or high
sodium intake, is the problem. Although sodium retention causes fluid retention and
weight gain, the need for increased potassium also must be considered. Because of
steroid therapy, excess sodium may be retained, although potassium may be excreted.
✔✔he nurse understands that research demonstrates that malnutrition occurs in as
many as 50% of hospitalized clients. The nurse should assess a postoperative client
with anorexia for what sign of malnutrition? - ✔✔Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing often is caused by a lack of nutrients, such as protein and
vitamin C, in the diet. Dependent edema usually occurs with severe protein deficiency
and heart failure. Spoon-shaped nails usually occur with iron deficiency anemia. Loose,
decayed teeth usually indicate prolonged malnutrition.
✔✔The nurse finds that an adolescent has episodes of binge eating followed by self-
induced vomiting and strenuous exercise. Which condition is the adolescent likely to
have? - ✔✔Bulimia
Bulimia is a disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by
inappropriate compensatory behavior, such as self-induced vomiting and/or strenuous
exercise. Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight. Orthorexia is
a disorder in which the individual avoids certain foods, believing them to be harmful.
Binge behavior is consumption of large amounts of foods in a brief time but without the
subsequent compensatory behavior.
✔✔While awaiting surgery, a client with a long history of Crohn disease is receiving total
parenteral nutrition (TPN) on an outpatient basis. The nurse teaches the client that TPN
helps to prepare for surgery by which process? - ✔✔decreasing fecal bulk
By decreasing fecal bulk and bowel stimulation, TPN provides rest for the bowel while
the client awaits surgery. TPN does not prevent a bowel infection. TPN does not
stimulate gastrointestinal secretions. TPN promotes positive nitrogen balance.
✔✔The nurse is providing care to an infant who is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Which parental statement indicates the need for further education related to the
potential for poor growth? - ✔✔My child will have a poor appetite, which will lead to poor
growth.
Pediatric clients who are diagnosed with CF experience poor growth despite a healthy
appetite and diet; therefore, the parental statement indicates that the infant's poor
,appetite will lead to poor growth indicates the need for further education. Pediatric
clients diagnosed with CF experience poor growth due to delayed bone growth,
increased oxygen demands, and a decreased ability to absorb nutrients.
✔✔nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. The healthcare provider prescribes a 2-
gram sodium diet. What should the nurse include when explaining how a low-salt diet
helps achieve a therapeutic outcome? - ✔✔Allows excess tissue fluid to be excreted
A decreased concentration of extracellular sodium causes a decrease in the release of
antidiuretic hormone (ADH); this leads to increased excretion of urine. Sodium
restriction does not control the volume of food intake; weight is controlled by a low-
calorie diet and exercise (if permitted). The resulting elimination of excess fluid reduces
the workload of the heart but does not improve contractility. Potassium is retained
inefficiently by the body; an adequate intake of potassium is needed.
✔✔The nurse assesses a client for the development of pernicious anemia after
reviewing the client's history. Which condition did the nurse most likely find in the
history? - ✔✔gastrectomy
Removal of the fundus of the stomach (gastrectomy) destroys the parietal cells that
secrete intrinsic factor (needed to combine with vitamin B12 preliminary to its absorption
in the ileum). Hemorrhaging may cause anemia; however, pernicious anemia occurs
when the intrinsic factor is not produced. The beta cells of the pancreas are not involved
in secretion of intrinsic factor. Dietary intake does not affect the production of intrinsic
factor.
✔✔A nurse is caring for a client with Addison disease. Which dietary instruction should
the nurse teach the client to follow? - ✔✔add salt
Because of diminished mineralocorticoid secretion, clients with Addison disease are
prone to developing hyponatremia. Therefore, the addition of salt to the diet is advised.
Clients with Addison disease are prone to hyperkalemia. High-potassium foods can be
restricted. Protein is not omitted from the diet; ingestion of essential amino acids is
necessary for optimum metabolism and healing. Fluids are not restricted for clients with
Addison disease.
✔✔A client with the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, purging type, is admitted to the
mental health unit after an acute episode of bingeing. Which clinical manifestation is
most important for the nurse to assess? - ✔✔dehydration
The nurse should be alert for dehydration caused by fluid loss through vomiting in the
binge-purge cycle. Weight gain is not expected because purging frequently follows a
binge. Hyperactivity is not expected because many individuals with bulimia withdraw
and vomit after a binge. Hyperglycemia is not expected because of the vomiting that
follows a binge.
✔✔A nurse is instructing a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) about the diet that
should be followed during the acute phase. Which type of diet should the nurse stress?
- ✔✔bland
, A nurse is instructing a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) about the diet that should
be followed during the acute phase. Which type of diet should the nurse stress?
✔✔Which nutrient deficiency in the pregnant adolescent may result in decreased birth
weight as a consequence of low bone mineral density in the fetus? - ✔✔calcium
Calcium and vitamin deficiency may result in decreased birth weight as a consequence
of low bone mineral density. Zinc deficiency may not lead to a decrease in bone mineral
density. Iron deficiency may lead to anemia. Folic acid deficiency may result in neural
tube defects.
✔✔A client with osteoporosis has been receiving dietary information from the nurse.
Which food selection by the client indicates that the nurse's dietary instruction was
effective? - ✔✔turnip greens
Turnip greens are high in calcium and vitamins. A high level of nitrogen from protein
breakdown may increase the release of calcium from bone to serve as a buffer of the
nitrogen. Soft drinks that are high in phosphorus may interfere with calcium absorption
from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Enriched grains that are high in phosphorus may
interfere with calcium absorption from the GI tract.
✔✔What is the required average daily intake of calories in preschoolers? - ✔✔1800
✔✔A nurse instructs a client with viral hepatitis about the type of diet that should be
ingested. Which lunch selected by the client indicates understanding about dietary
principles associated with this diagnosis? - ✔✔Salad, sliced chicken sandwich, gelatin
dessert
The diet should be high in carbohydrates, with moderate protein and fat content. A
salad, chicken and gelatin meal is the best choice. Turkey salad, french fries, and
sherbet are too high in fat. Cottage cheese, mixed fruit salad, and a milkshake are dairy
products and may cause lactose intolerance; the hepatitis virus injures the intestinal
mucosa and reduces the client's ability to metabolize lactose. Cheeseburger, tortilla
chips, and chocolate pudding are too high in fat.
✔✔A 17-year-old client is found to have anorexia nervosa. The psychiatrist, in
conjunction with the client and the parents, decides to institute a behavior modification
program. What does the nurse recall is a major component of behavior modification? -
✔✔rewarding positive behavior
In behavior modification [1] [2] [3], positive behavior is reinforced, and negative behavior
is not reinforced or punished. Reducing the number or complexity of necessary
restrictions, deconditioning the fear of weight gain, and reducing the number of anxiety-
producing situations may all be part of the program, but none is a major component.
✔✔Which statement is true about the diet plan for toddlers? - ✔✔Milk should be
supplemented with solid food items like vegetables and fruits.
In toddlers, the parents should be supplementing the child's intake of milk with solid
foods items, ensuring a balanced diet for adequate growth. Serving finger foods to
AND SOLUTIONS RANKED A+
✔✔A primary healthcare provider prescribes a low-sodium, high-potassium diet for a
client with Cushing syndrome. Which explanation should the nurse provide to the client
about the need to follow this diet? - ✔✔Excessive aldosterone and cortisone cause
retention of sodium and loss of potassium."
Clients with Cushing syndrome must limit their intake of salt and increase their intake of
potassium. The kidneys are retaining sodium and excreting potassium. An excessive
secretion of adrenocortical hormones in Cushing syndrome, not increased or high
sodium intake, is the problem. Although sodium retention causes fluid retention and
weight gain, the need for increased potassium also must be considered. Because of
steroid therapy, excess sodium may be retained, although potassium may be excreted.
✔✔he nurse understands that research demonstrates that malnutrition occurs in as
many as 50% of hospitalized clients. The nurse should assess a postoperative client
with anorexia for what sign of malnutrition? - ✔✔Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing often is caused by a lack of nutrients, such as protein and
vitamin C, in the diet. Dependent edema usually occurs with severe protein deficiency
and heart failure. Spoon-shaped nails usually occur with iron deficiency anemia. Loose,
decayed teeth usually indicate prolonged malnutrition.
✔✔The nurse finds that an adolescent has episodes of binge eating followed by self-
induced vomiting and strenuous exercise. Which condition is the adolescent likely to
have? - ✔✔Bulimia
Bulimia is a disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by
inappropriate compensatory behavior, such as self-induced vomiting and/or strenuous
exercise. Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight. Orthorexia is
a disorder in which the individual avoids certain foods, believing them to be harmful.
Binge behavior is consumption of large amounts of foods in a brief time but without the
subsequent compensatory behavior.
✔✔While awaiting surgery, a client with a long history of Crohn disease is receiving total
parenteral nutrition (TPN) on an outpatient basis. The nurse teaches the client that TPN
helps to prepare for surgery by which process? - ✔✔decreasing fecal bulk
By decreasing fecal bulk and bowel stimulation, TPN provides rest for the bowel while
the client awaits surgery. TPN does not prevent a bowel infection. TPN does not
stimulate gastrointestinal secretions. TPN promotes positive nitrogen balance.
✔✔The nurse is providing care to an infant who is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Which parental statement indicates the need for further education related to the
potential for poor growth? - ✔✔My child will have a poor appetite, which will lead to poor
growth.
Pediatric clients who are diagnosed with CF experience poor growth despite a healthy
appetite and diet; therefore, the parental statement indicates that the infant's poor
,appetite will lead to poor growth indicates the need for further education. Pediatric
clients diagnosed with CF experience poor growth due to delayed bone growth,
increased oxygen demands, and a decreased ability to absorb nutrients.
✔✔nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. The healthcare provider prescribes a 2-
gram sodium diet. What should the nurse include when explaining how a low-salt diet
helps achieve a therapeutic outcome? - ✔✔Allows excess tissue fluid to be excreted
A decreased concentration of extracellular sodium causes a decrease in the release of
antidiuretic hormone (ADH); this leads to increased excretion of urine. Sodium
restriction does not control the volume of food intake; weight is controlled by a low-
calorie diet and exercise (if permitted). The resulting elimination of excess fluid reduces
the workload of the heart but does not improve contractility. Potassium is retained
inefficiently by the body; an adequate intake of potassium is needed.
✔✔The nurse assesses a client for the development of pernicious anemia after
reviewing the client's history. Which condition did the nurse most likely find in the
history? - ✔✔gastrectomy
Removal of the fundus of the stomach (gastrectomy) destroys the parietal cells that
secrete intrinsic factor (needed to combine with vitamin B12 preliminary to its absorption
in the ileum). Hemorrhaging may cause anemia; however, pernicious anemia occurs
when the intrinsic factor is not produced. The beta cells of the pancreas are not involved
in secretion of intrinsic factor. Dietary intake does not affect the production of intrinsic
factor.
✔✔A nurse is caring for a client with Addison disease. Which dietary instruction should
the nurse teach the client to follow? - ✔✔add salt
Because of diminished mineralocorticoid secretion, clients with Addison disease are
prone to developing hyponatremia. Therefore, the addition of salt to the diet is advised.
Clients with Addison disease are prone to hyperkalemia. High-potassium foods can be
restricted. Protein is not omitted from the diet; ingestion of essential amino acids is
necessary for optimum metabolism and healing. Fluids are not restricted for clients with
Addison disease.
✔✔A client with the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, purging type, is admitted to the
mental health unit after an acute episode of bingeing. Which clinical manifestation is
most important for the nurse to assess? - ✔✔dehydration
The nurse should be alert for dehydration caused by fluid loss through vomiting in the
binge-purge cycle. Weight gain is not expected because purging frequently follows a
binge. Hyperactivity is not expected because many individuals with bulimia withdraw
and vomit after a binge. Hyperglycemia is not expected because of the vomiting that
follows a binge.
✔✔A nurse is instructing a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) about the diet that
should be followed during the acute phase. Which type of diet should the nurse stress?
- ✔✔bland
, A nurse is instructing a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) about the diet that should
be followed during the acute phase. Which type of diet should the nurse stress?
✔✔Which nutrient deficiency in the pregnant adolescent may result in decreased birth
weight as a consequence of low bone mineral density in the fetus? - ✔✔calcium
Calcium and vitamin deficiency may result in decreased birth weight as a consequence
of low bone mineral density. Zinc deficiency may not lead to a decrease in bone mineral
density. Iron deficiency may lead to anemia. Folic acid deficiency may result in neural
tube defects.
✔✔A client with osteoporosis has been receiving dietary information from the nurse.
Which food selection by the client indicates that the nurse's dietary instruction was
effective? - ✔✔turnip greens
Turnip greens are high in calcium and vitamins. A high level of nitrogen from protein
breakdown may increase the release of calcium from bone to serve as a buffer of the
nitrogen. Soft drinks that are high in phosphorus may interfere with calcium absorption
from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Enriched grains that are high in phosphorus may
interfere with calcium absorption from the GI tract.
✔✔What is the required average daily intake of calories in preschoolers? - ✔✔1800
✔✔A nurse instructs a client with viral hepatitis about the type of diet that should be
ingested. Which lunch selected by the client indicates understanding about dietary
principles associated with this diagnosis? - ✔✔Salad, sliced chicken sandwich, gelatin
dessert
The diet should be high in carbohydrates, with moderate protein and fat content. A
salad, chicken and gelatin meal is the best choice. Turkey salad, french fries, and
sherbet are too high in fat. Cottage cheese, mixed fruit salad, and a milkshake are dairy
products and may cause lactose intolerance; the hepatitis virus injures the intestinal
mucosa and reduces the client's ability to metabolize lactose. Cheeseburger, tortilla
chips, and chocolate pudding are too high in fat.
✔✔A 17-year-old client is found to have anorexia nervosa. The psychiatrist, in
conjunction with the client and the parents, decides to institute a behavior modification
program. What does the nurse recall is a major component of behavior modification? -
✔✔rewarding positive behavior
In behavior modification [1] [2] [3], positive behavior is reinforced, and negative behavior
is not reinforced or punished. Reducing the number or complexity of necessary
restrictions, deconditioning the fear of weight gain, and reducing the number of anxiety-
producing situations may all be part of the program, but none is a major component.
✔✔Which statement is true about the diet plan for toddlers? - ✔✔Milk should be
supplemented with solid food items like vegetables and fruits.
In toddlers, the parents should be supplementing the child's intake of milk with solid
foods items, ensuring a balanced diet for adequate growth. Serving finger foods to
