Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

What is a common early sign of a stroke?

1. AGradual memory loss developing over several years
2. BFever with a productive cough
3. CSudden facial droop or arm weakness on one side
4. DItchy skin on both arms

Why should a patient who has had a stroke have a swallow screen before oral food, fluid or medicine?

1. ATo reduce the risk of aspiration
2. BTo prevent pressure ulcers
3. CTo measure their blood pressure
4. DTo check their blood glucose level

The term "tinnitus" means:

1. ABlurred vision
2. BRinging or buzzing in the ears
3. CA blocked nose
4. DLoss of balance and dizziness

Within which time window is IV thrombolysis generally given for acute ischaemic stroke?

1. AWithin 48 hours of the onset of symptoms
2. BAt any time within a week
3. COnly after 24 hours
4. DWithin 4.5 hours of symptom onset

What is the most common cause of hypernatraemia in frail older inpatients?

1. AToo much exercise
2. BNot drinking enough water
3. CEating too much salt in one meal
4. DTaking too many vitamins

Why are patients with atrial fibrillation often given anticoagulants?

1. ATo reduce the risk of stroke from clots in the atria
2. BTo convert the rhythm back to normal
3. CTo lower the blood pressure
4. DTo slow the heart rate directly and prevent palpitations

A patient has had diarrhoea for three days and is on a medical ward. What is the most appropriate infection control action?

1. AUse alcohol hand rub only and avoid gloves to save resources
2. BIsolate promptly, use contact precautions and send a stool sample
3. CWait until the diarrhoea has lasted a week before taking any action
4. DMove the patient to a shared bay so single rooms stay available

A patient has new facial weakness. Which feature suggests a stroke rather than Bell's palsy?

1. AThe patient has pain behind the ear
2. BThe whole of one side of the face, including the forehead, is weak
3. CThe forehead can still be wrinkled on the affected side
4. DThe patient has had a recent cold