Evolve HESI Practice Exam

Which meal selection indicates that a client understands the dietary restrictions of a low-sodium diet?

1. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and lemonade.

2. Salmon, brown rice, broccoli, and water.

3. Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice cream.

4. Cheese pizza, salad with dressing, and apple juice.

The correct answer is: Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice cream.

The correct answer demonstrates a sound understanding of a low-sodium diet by choosing items that are typically lower in sodium content and not heavily processed. Turkey is a good source of protein that can be low in sodium if it isn’t heavily cured or salted. The inclusion of skim milk adds essential nutrients without excessive sodium. A roll can vary in sodium content, but it's important to choose one that is not specifically labeled as a "seasoned" or "flavored" roll. Vanilla ice cream, if made without added salt, tends to be lower in sodium as well, making this meal choice generally compliant with a low-sodium diet. In contrast, other meal selections include items that are more likely to contain higher levels of sodium; for instance, fried chicken is often breaded and seasoned, potentially elevating its sodium content significantly. Mashed potatoes can include added salt and butter, which increases sodium, while cheese pizza typically contains salt both in the cheese and the crust. Even the salad dressing can add unwanted sodium, making some of those options inappropriate for someone adhering to a low-sodium diet.