HESI/Saunders Module 7: Basic Care and
Comfort
a. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
c. Grilled chicken with 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
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refined foods and luncheon meats are high in sodium unless they are specifically labeled "low
sodium." Saltwater fish and shellfish are higher in sodium. - -The nurse is instructing a
client with hypertension about foods that are low in sodium. Which menu selections by the client
indicate to the nurse that the client understands what has been taught? Select all that apply.
a. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
b. Boiled lobster with baked potato
c. Grilled chicken with turnip greens
d. Instant hot cereal with bacon
e. Tomato soup with a ham sandwich
c. Scallops
e. Chicken Liver
Rationale: Organ meats such as liver, as well as certain sea foods, including scallops, sardines,
and herring, should be omitted from the diet of the client who with gout because of the high
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purine content. The foods identified in the other options contain negligible amounts of purines
and may be consumed freely by the client with gout. - -A nurse has provided dietary
instructions to a client with a new diagnosis of gout. Which menu suggestions by the client
indicate to the nurse that the client needs additional instruction? Select all that apply.
a. Carrots
b. Tapioca
c. Scallops
d. Broccoli
e. Chicken liver
b. Apple juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
Rationale: A clear liquid diet consists of foods, such as apple juice, chicken broth, and gelatin,
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which are relatively transparent. Custard, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream are components of
a full liquid diet. - -A clear liquid diet has been prescribed for client who has just undergone
surgery. Which foods should the nurse offer to the client? Select all that apply.
a. Custard
b. Apple juice
c. Orange juice
d. Chicken broth
e. Orange gelatin
,f. Vanilla ice cream
b. Apples
c. Peaches
f. Cranberries
Rationale: Triamterene is a potassium-retaining diuretic, so the client should avoid foods high in
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potassium. Fruits that are naturally high in potassium include dried prunes, avocado, bananas,
fresh oranges and mangoes, nectarines, and papayas. - -Triamterene has been
prescribed for a client with a history of hypertension. Which fruits should the nurse tell the client
are acceptable to eat while taking this medication? Select all that apply.
a. Prunes
b. Apples
c. Peaches
d. Avocados
e. Nectarines
f. Cranberries
b. High in fiber
Rationale: When a client's diverticulitis is asymptomatic, a soft high-fiber diet containing fruits,
vegetables, 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 fluid intake to 2500 to 3000 mL daily (unless contraindicated) is also
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important. A low-fat diet may be healthy but is not specific to this disorder. A high-carbohydrate
diet is not helpful for the client with this condition. - -Diverticulitis has been diagnosed in a
client who has been experiencing episodes of gastrointestinal 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 carbohydrates
b. Baked tuna
d. Baked potato
e. Fresh cherries
Rationale: Fruits and vegetables tend to be lower in fat because they do not come from animal
sources, although olives, though technically a fruit, are high in fat (as are avocados), and fish is
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also naturally lower in fat. Meats and dairy products (e.g., cream cheese) are higher in fat,
although modifications can be made to these foods to reduce their fat content. - -A nurse
is teaching a client with heart disease about a low-fat diet. Which foods should the nurse tell the
client are acceptable to eat? Select all that apply.
a. Avocados
b. Baked tuna
c. Green olives
d. Baked potato
,e. Fresh cherries
f. Cream cheese
b. Cherries
e. Potatoes
f. Spaghetti
Rationale: 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 vegetables such as
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lettuce, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and turnip greens. Cherries, potatoes,
and spaghetti are foods that are low in vitamin K. - -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? Select all that apply.
a. Lettuce
b. Cherries Correct
c. Broccoli
d. Cabbage
e. Potatoes Correct
f. Spaghetti Correct
c. Chicken breast, broccoli, strawberries, milk
Rationale: Protein and vitamin C are necessary for wound healing. Poultry and milk are good
sources of protein. Broccoli and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C. Peanut butter is a
source of niacin. Gelatin, jelly, tea, and ginger ale have no nutritional value. Pasta, rice, and
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bread deliver complex carbohydrates. Spare ribs may contain some protein but are high in fat. -
-A regular diet has been prescribed for a client with a leg fracture who has been placed in
skeletal traction. Which foods that will promote wound healing does the nurse encourage the
client to select from the hospital menu?
a. Spare ribs, rice, gelatin, tea
b. Pasta, garlic bread, ginger ale
c. Chicken breast, broccoli, strawberries, milk
d. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chocolate cake, tea
a. Peas
Rationale: In general, flavorful, warm, or well-chilled foods with texture stimulate the swallow
reflex. Moist pastas, casseroles, egg dishes, and potatoes are usually well tolerated. Raw
vegetables, chunky vegetables such as diced beets, stringy vegetables, and those with skin,
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such as corn and peas are foods commonly excluded from the diet of a client with dysphagia. -
-A client who experienced a stroke (brain attack) is experiencing residual dysphagia.
Which foods should the nurse remove from the client's meal tray?
a. Peas
b. Scrambled eggs
c. Cheese casserole
d. Mashed potatoes
, c. Potassium
Rationale: Most excretion of potassium and control of potassium balance is carried out by the
kidneys. In the client with AKI, potassium intake is limited. The primary mechanism of potassium
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removal during AKI is dialysis. Vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats are not normally restricted in
the client with AKI. - -A client recovering from acute kidney injury (AKI) is being discharged
home. The nurse determines that the client understands the therapeutic dietary regimen when
the client states that he will plan to eat foods that are low in which substance?
a. Fats
b. Vitamins
c. Potassium
d. Carbohydrates
a. Lying down after eating
b. Eating high-protein foods
d. Eating six small meals per day
Rationale: 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
carbohydrates. The client should lie down after meals and avoid drinking liquids with meals.
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Frequent small meals are encouraged. The client should also avoid concentrated sweets. -
-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? Select all that apply.
a. Lying down after eating
b. Eating high-protein foods
c. Drinking liquids with meals
d. Eating six small meals per day
e. Eating concentrated sweets during the day
b. Spinach salad, milk, and a banana
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Rationale: In an alkaline ash diet, all fruits are allowed except cranberries, prunes, and plums.
The incorrect options represent components of an acid ash diet. - -A client with renal
calculi is instructed to follow an alkaline ash diet. Which menu choice by the client indicates to
the nurse that the client understands the prescribed regimen?
a. Chicken, potatoes, and cranberries
b. Spinach salad, milk, and a banana
c. Peanut butter sandwich, milk, and prunes
d. Linguini with shrimp, tossed salad, and a plum
c. Right heel
Rationale: 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 instead of a
trapeze) and the heel of the good leg, which is used as a brace when the client pushes up from
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the bed). Other such pressure points include the ischial tuberosity, popliteal space, and Achilles
tendon. - -A client who has sustained multiple fractures of the left leg is in skeletal traction.
