Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

Which of these is considered a high-alert (high-risk) medicine?

1. ASimple linctus
2. BLactulose
3. CEmollient cream
4. DInsulin

Anaemia means:

1. AA raised blood glucose level
2. BA lower than normal haemoglobin level
3. CA low platelet count
4. DA higher than normal white cell count

What is the usual normal range for serum potassium in adults (in mmol/L, numerically equal to mEq/L)?

1. AAbout 1.5–2.5 mmol/L
2. BAbout 3.5–5.0 mmol/L
3. CAbout 135–145 mmol/L
4. DAbout 6.5–8.0 mmol/L

An older adult has left lower abdominal pain, fever and a raised CRP. Which condition is most likely?

1. AGastric ulcer
2. BDiverticulitis
3. CBiliary colic
4. DAppendicitis

A patient with COPD and known carbon dioxide retention needs a nebulised bronchodilator. How should it usually be given?

1. AWithout monitoring oxygen saturation
2. BDriven by high-flow oxygen at 15 L/min for as long as possible
3. COnly with the patient lying flat
4. DDriven by compressed air, with oxygen given separately if needed

Which blood results are typical of Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency)?

1. ALow sodium and high potassium
2. BHigh sodium and low potassium
3. CLow haemoglobin and high platelets
4. DHigh glucose and high calcium

Why should chronic hypernatraemia be corrected gradually?

1. AFast correction causes osmotic demyelination from swelling of the kidneys
2. BLowering the sodium too fast can cause cerebral oedema
3. CSlow correction is only needed in children
4. DFast correction causes severe hyperkalaemia

A patient has a single hot, swollen, very painful knee and a fever. Why is urgent joint aspiration important?

1. ATo prevent osteoporosis
2. BTo measure the patient's cholesterol
3. CTo check for rheumatoid arthritis antibodies in the joint fluid
4. DTo rule out septic arthritis, which can rapidly destroy the joint