HESI LPN
HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What dietary recommendation is essential for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Low-phenylalanine diet.' Children with phenylketonuria (PKU) need to follow a low-phenylalanine diet to manage the condition. Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in protein-containing foods, and individuals with PKU have difficulty metabolizing it, leading to neurological damage and other complications. Therefore, restricting phenylalanine intake is crucial. Choice A, 'High-protein diet,' is incorrect because high protein intake would increase phenylalanine levels, worsening the condition. Choice B, 'Low-fat diet,' and Choice D, 'High-fiber diet,' are not the primary focus for PKU patients. The key dietary intervention for PKU is controlling phenylalanine intake, which is best achieved through a low-phenylalanine diet.
Question 2 of 5
In the scientific method, a tentative solution to a problem is called a what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the scientific method, a hypothesis is a tentative solution or educated guess that is tested through research. A theory (choice A) is a well-substantiated explanation based on evidence and extensive testing. A prediction (choice B) is a statement about what will happen in the future based on existing knowledge. Correlation (choice D) refers to a mutual relationship between two or more things, indicating how they may change together but not providing a solution to a problem.
Question 3 of 5
How many minerals are known to be essential for human nutrition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: There are 16 essential minerals required for human nutrition. These minerals include calcium, potassium, iron, and others. Choice A (8) is incorrect as it underestimates the number of essential minerals. Choice B (12) is also incorrect as it does not encompass the full count of essential minerals. Choice D (20) is incorrect as it overestimates the number of essential minerals.
Question 4 of 5
You have been asked to help a top nutrition researcher conduct human experiments on vitamin C. As the subjects walk into the laboratory, you distribute all the vitamin C pill bottles to the girls and all the placebo pill bottles to the boys. What should you have done?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct approach in a scientific experiment is to prevent yourself from knowing the contents of the pill bottles and distribute them randomly to the subjects. This randomization helps to avoid bias and ensures that the results are not influenced by preconceived notions. Option A is incorrect because it introduces gender bias by assigning pills based on gender. Option B is incorrect as it mentions telling the subjects what they are getting, which could lead to placebo effects. Option C is incorrect as it suggests disclosing group information to the subjects, which can also introduce bias.
Question 5 of 5
If a group of people consumes an amount of protein equal to the estimated average requirement for their population group, what percentage of people will receive insufficient amounts?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If a group consumes an amount of protein equal to the estimated average requirement, 50% of the people will receive insufficient amounts. The estimated average requirement is the amount of a nutrient that is estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Therefore, 50% of the group will not be meeting their individual needs if they are consuming only the average requirement. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because at the estimated average requirement level, a higher percentage than those values will receive insufficient amounts.