Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

Free printable Clinical nursing worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

A nasogastric tube position is commonly confirmed at the bedside by:

  1. ATesting the pH of aspirated fluid
  2. BAsking the patient to cough
  3. CListening for air with a stethoscope ("whoosh test")
  4. DPlacing the tube end in a glass of water
2.Easy

What is oral mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy?

  1. APainful inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the mouth
  2. BA loss of taste only
  3. CSwelling of the salivary glands from dehydration
  4. DA fungal infection of the toenails that spreads to the mouth
3.Easy

Long-term uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of:

  1. AStroke, heart attack and kidney disease
  2. BAsthma, eczema and hay fever
  3. CHypothyroidism, gout and hair loss
  4. DAnaemia and osteoporosis
4.Medium

A patient's abdomen is rigid and board-like, and they lie very still because movement worsens the pain. What does this suggest?

  1. AUrinary tract infection
  2. BIndigestion
  3. CPeritonitis
  4. DConstipation
5.Medium

A patient without diabetes is started on high-dose prednisolone. Why might capillary blood glucose be monitored?

  1. ASteroids make glucose meters inaccurate
  2. BSteroids always cause hypoglycaemia
  3. CSteroids destroy the pancreas
  4. DSteroids can raise the blood glucose
6.Medium

A patient with hyponatraemia should be especially monitored for:

  1. AHearing loss
  2. BConfusion, headache and seizures
  3. CIncreased hair growth
  4. DBright red rash
7.Hard

A potassium result of 6.9 mmol/L comes back on a well patient with a normal ECG, and the laboratory reports that the sample was haemolysed. What is the best action?

  1. AGive IV insulin and glucose straight away
  2. BRepeat the blood test promptly, as haemolysis can falsely raise potassium
  3. CIgnore the result because the patient looks well and the ECG is normal
  4. DStart a potassium supplement
8.Hard

A drowsy patient in recovery is making snoring sounds and the SpO2 is falling. What is the first action?

  1. AOpen the airway with a head tilt–chin lift or jaw thrust
  2. BWait for the patient to wake up fully
  3. CGive sips of oral fluid to clear the throat and wake them
  4. DLie the patient face down

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Testing the pH of aspirated fluid
  2. 2. A · Painful inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the mouth
  3. 3. A · Stroke, heart attack and kidney disease
  4. 4. C · Peritonitis
  5. 5. D · Steroids can raise the blood glucose
  6. 6. B · Confusion, headache and seizures
  7. 7. B · Repeat the blood test promptly, as haemolysis can falsely raise potassium
  8. 8. A · Open the airway with a head tilt–chin lift or jaw thrust

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