HESI Nutrition Study Guide – Core Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, diets, vitamins, minerals, and clinical concepts from the HESI Nutrition study guide.

Carbohydrates

Preferred source of energy; provide 4 kcal per gram.

Lipids (Fats)

Protect organs, maintain body temperature; supply 9 kcal per gram.

Proteins

Build/repair tissue, regulate fluids & acid-base balance, form antibodies, enzymes, hormones; 4 kcal per gram.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight-for-height measure; <18.5 = underweight, 18.5–24.9 = normal, 25–29.9 = overweight, ≥30 = obese.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Energy needed for basic body functions at rest; ~70 % of daily calories.

Thermic Effect of Feeding (TEF)

Energy used to digest/absorb food; ~10 % of daily calories.

Sensible Water Loss

Measurable fluid loss, e.g., urine.

Insensible Water Loss

Non-measurable fluid loss, e.g., perspiration or respiration.

Albumin

Plasma protein; low levels indicate malnutrition or liver/kidney disease.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing; places patient at high nutritional risk.

Tyramine-Rich Foods

Aged cheese, red wine, soy, smoked meats; avoid with MAOIs.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Allowed Foods

Poultry, fish, cooked vegetables, whole grains, low-fat yogurt, egg whites.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Restricted Foods

Red meat, high-fiber gas-forming foods, fried foods, caffeine, gluten.

Paleo Diet

High protein; allows lean meats, fish, eggs, produce, nuts, healthy fats; excludes grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, processed foods.

Enteral Nutrition

Delivery of nutrients via GI tract (oral or feeding tube).

Nasogastric (NG) Tube

Short-term feeding tube inserted through nose into stomach.

Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube

Long-term feeding tube placed through abdominal wall into stomach.

Parenteral Nutrition

Intravenous delivery of nutrients, bypassing GI tract.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Complete IV nutrition via central line; monitor blood glucose.

10–20 % Dextrose

Interim IV fluid if TPN unavailable to prevent hypoglycemia.

Renal Disease Diet

Fluid, sodium, protein, potassium restricted; calcium increased.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension; low sodium/fat/sugar, high calcium, potassium, fiber.

Gluten-Free (Celiac) Diet

Avoid barley, rye, oats, wheat (BROW) and oatmeal; permits gluten-free grains.

BROW

Acronym for gluten grains: Barley, Rye, Oats, Wheat.

Stomatitis Diet

Soft, room-temperature, high-protein, high-calorie foods; avoid spice & alcohol.

Diverticulitis Diet

High fiber; avoid seeds and nuts.

Hyperthyroidism Diet

High protein & calories; low fiber and iodine.

Xerophthalmia

Vitamin A deficiency causing vision changes/night blindness.

Rickets

Vitamin D deficiency in children; soft, deformed bones.

Osteomalacia

Adult vitamin D deficiency; bone pain and deformity.

Ataxia

Loss of coordination; can result from vitamin E deficiency.

Beriberi

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency affecting cardio & neuro systems.

Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome

Severe thiamine deficiency; degenerative brain disorder in alcohol misuse.

Cheilosis

Cracked mouth corners from vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency.

Pellagra

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve damage; linked to vitamin B6 deficiency or vitamin E toxicity.

Neural Tube Defects

Birth defects prevented by adequate folate (vitamin B9).

Pernicious Anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor.

Hypocalcemia Signs

Muscle spasms, Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.

Hypercalcemia Signs

Constipation, kidney stones, bone pain.

Hypomagnesemia Signs

Tremors, hyperreflexia, dysrhythmias, seizures.

Hypermagnesemia Signs

Hypotension, lethargy, respiratory depression.

Inverse Calcium–Phosphorus Relationship

High phosphate lowers calcium and vice versa.

Hypokalemia Signs

Dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, constipation.

Hyperkalemia Signs

Dysrhythmias, paresthesia, diarrhea.

Hyponatremia Signs

Confusion, nausea, seizures, fatigue.

Hypernatremia Signs

Thirst, lethargy, muscle twitching, seizures.

Iron-Rich Foods

Meat, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, legumes, leafy greens.

Vitamin C and Iron

Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; take supplements with citrus.

Green/Black Stools

Normal side effect of oral iron supplementation.

Fluoride

Trace mineral that reduces tooth decay and supports bone growth.

Goiter

Thyroid enlargement from iodine deficiency.

Zinc

Trace mineral for immunity, wound healing, cell growth.

BMR-Increasing Factors

Male sex, greater height, muscle mass, fever, hyperthyroidism, caffeine, smoking.

BMR-Decreasing Factors

Female sex, aging, low muscle mass, hypothyroidism, fasting.

Caloric Density of Nutrients

Fat = 9 kcal/g; Carbs = 4 kcal/g; Protein = 4 kcal/g.

Daily Adult Water Requirement

Approximately 30 mL/kg (2–3 L/day).

Signs of Dehydration

Tachycardia, hypotension, low urine output, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes.

Mechanical Soft Diet

Modified texture diet for patients missing dentures or with chewing issues.

Tubes – Length Measurement

Nose ➝ earlobe ➝ xiphoid process determines NG/OG insertion length.

Tube Feeding Head-of-Bed Position

Keep HOB 30–40° during and 1 h after feeding to prevent aspiration.

15-15 Rule (Hypoglycemia)

Give 15 g fast carbs, recheck glucose in 15 minutes; repeat if needed.

UTI Diet

Encourage berries and probiotics; avoid caffeine, chocolate, and smoking.

Cholecystitis Diet

Low fat, low protein, low carb; avoid gassy foods.

Heart Failure Diet

Fluid and sodium restriction; reduce fat and simple carbs.

Osteoporosis Diet

High calcium intake to support bone density.

Hemorrhoids Diet

Increase fiber and fluid to ease stool passage.

Cancer-Preventive Diet

High-protein soft foods, adequate vitamin D, limit salt and processed items.

Vegan Diet

Excludes all animal products; soybeans common protein source.

Lacto Diet

Vegetarian pattern allowing dairy but excluding meat and eggs.

Lacto-Ovo Diet

Vegetarian pattern allowing dairy and eggs, excluding meat.

1 oz to mL Conversion

1 ounce equals 30 milliliters.

1 cup to mL Conversion

1 cup (8 oz) equals ~240 mL.

Bowel Sound Check

Essential assessment before initiating enteral tube feeding.

Blood Glucose Monitoring with TPN

Frequent checks to detect hyper- or hypoglycemia.

Chvostek’s Sign

Facial twitch when cheek tapped; indicates hypocalcemia.

Trousseau’s Sign

Carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation; indicates hypocalcemia.

15 g Carbohydrate Serving

Standard exchange for diabetic meal planning.

Kcal Allocation (Activity)

Physical activity accounts for ~20 % of daily caloric need.