Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

What does the INR measure?

1. AThe number of platelets circulating in the blood
2. BHow long the blood takes to clot, compared with a standard
3. CThe level of white cells in the blood
4. DThe amount of iron stored in the body's liver and bone marrow

On an ECG, what does the P wave represent?

1. AVentricular repolarisation
2. BClosure of the heart valves
3. CAtrial depolarisation
4. DVentricular depolarisation

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

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

A patient with leukaemia has a very low platelet count. Which nursing precaution is appropriate?

1. AUse a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
2. BTake temperatures rectally
3. CEncourage contact sports to keep fit
4. DGive medicines by intramuscular injection

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

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

Why are patients asked to fast before a general anaesthetic?

1. ATo reduce the risk of aspirating stomach contents
2. BTo make the surgery shorter
3. CTo lower the blood glucose before surgery
4. DTo prevent postoperative constipation and abdominal bloating

An older man has sudden severe abdominal and back pain, is hypotensive and has a pulsating mass in the abdomen. What should be suspected?

1. AA ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
2. BAcute gastritis from anti-inflammatory drugs
3. CMusculoskeletal back pain
4. DRenal colic from a kidney stone

Which finding most strongly suggests a pulmonary embolism in a postoperative patient?

1. AWheeze that improves with salbutamol
2. BSudden breathlessness and pleuritic chest pain with tachycardia
3. CSlow heart rate with high blood pressure
4. DGradual onset of cough with yellow sputum and mild fever over a week