1.Easy
What is the normal pH range of arterial blood?
- A6.85–6.95
- B7.55–7.65
- C7.00–7.10
- D7.35–7.45
2.Easy
What is the normal resting respiratory rate for an adult?
- AAbout 40–50 breaths per minute
- BAbout 12–20 breaths per minute
- CAbout 25–35 breaths per minute
- DAbout 4–8 breaths per minute
3.Easy
Which sign suggests dehydration in an adult?
- AMoist mouth, pale urine and normal pulse
- BWeight gain over two days
- CDry mouth, dark concentrated urine and tachycardia
- DSwollen ankles, crackles in the lungs and a raised JVP
4.Medium
A patient with COPD and known carbon dioxide retention needs a nebulised bronchodilator. How should it usually be given?
- ADriven by high-flow oxygen at 15 L/min for as long as possible
- BDriven by compressed air, with oxygen given separately if needed
- CWithout monitoring oxygen saturation
- DOnly with the patient lying flat
5.Medium
Why are alternate sutures sometimes removed first when taking out stitches?
- ATo check the wound stays closed before removing the rest
- BTo make the procedure faster
- CBecause the remaining sutures dissolve on their own within a day
- DTo reduce the cost of dressings
6.Medium
An unconscious patient with diabetes has a blood glucose of 2.1 mmol/L and no IV access. What can be given?
- AOral fruit juice
- BGlucose tablets by mouth
- CIntramuscular glucagon
- DSubcutaneous insulin
7.Hard
A patient is recognised by the team as being in the last days of life. Which approach is correct?
- AReview and stop treatments that no longer help, and focus on comfort
- BStop all medicines, including pain relief and anti-sickness drugs
- CContinue all routine blood tests and observations four-hourly
- DAvoid talking with the family about what is happening
8.Hard
Why should chronic hypernatraemia be corrected gradually?
- ASlow correction is only needed in children
- BLowering the sodium too fast can cause cerebral oedema
- CFast correction causes severe hyperkalaemia
- DFast correction causes osmotic demyelination from swelling of the kidneys
Answer key
- 1. D · 7.35–7.45
- 2. B · About 12–20 breaths per minute
- 3. C · Dry mouth, dark concentrated urine and tachycardia
- 4. B · Driven by compressed air, with oxygen given separately if needed
- 5. A · To check the wound stays closed before removing the rest
- 6. C · Intramuscular glucagon
- 7. A · Review and stop treatments that no longer help, and focus on comfort
- 8. B · Lowering the sodium too fast can cause cerebral oedema
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