Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

The term "hypoxaemia" means:

1. AA high level of carbon dioxide in the blood
2. BA low level of glucose in the blood
3. CA low red blood cell count
4. DA low level of oxygen in the arterial blood

In the ABCDE approach to an acutely ill patient, what does "A" stand for?

1. AAllergies
2. BAirway
3. CAssessment
4. DAnalgesia

Which group of findings suggests fluid overload?

1. ALow jugular venous pressure and cool skin
2. BDry mouth, thirst, dark urine and a rapid weak pulse
3. CWeight loss, sunken eyes and a dry mouth
4. DSwollen ankles, breathlessness, lung crackles and weight gain

A patient has a continuous stream of bubbles in the water seal chamber of their chest drain. What does this most likely indicate?

1. AAn air leak, from the lung or from the drainage system
2. BThe lung has fully re-expanded
3. CThe drain is blocked
4. DThe drain is working normally for a fluid collection only

Which observation is most important after giving a patient a first dose of a new antibiotic intravenously?

1. AWhether their hair loss increases
2. BSigns of an allergic reaction such as rash, wheeze or swelling
3. CTheir appetite at the next meal
4. DHow much they walk that day

A very anxious patient breathes rapidly for a long period. Which change is expected?

1. ARespiratory alkalosis from a low PaCO₂
2. BMetabolic alkalosis from vomiting
3. CRespiratory acidosis from a high PaCO₂
4. DMetabolic acidosis from a low bicarbonate

Why is hypokalaemia particularly dangerous in a patient taking digoxin?

1. ALow potassium makes digoxin work too slowly
2. BDigoxin raises potassium to dangerous levels when it is already low
3. CLow potassium stops digoxin from being absorbed
4. DLow potassium increases the risk of digoxin toxicity

Shortly after starting a transfusion, a patient becomes breathless, wheezy and hypotensive with facial swelling. What should the nurse do first?

1. AFinish the unit quickly so the exposure time is as short as possible
2. BSlow the transfusion rate and recheck the observations in an hour
3. CStop the transfusion, keep IV access and call for urgent help
4. DGive paracetamol and an antihistamine and continue the transfusion