Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

Which pair of symptoms is typical of hyperglycaemia?

1. APinpoint pupils and slow breathing
2. BSweating, trembling hands and a sudden feeling of hunger
3. CSlow pulse and cold, pale skin
4. DIncreased thirst and passing large amounts of urine

What is the usual target oxygen saturation (SpO₂) for most acutely ill adults without risk of hypercapnia?

1. A88–92% for everyone
2. B94–98%
3. C80–84%
4. D100% at all times

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

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

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

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

Why is an ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) measured before applying compression bandages to a leg ulcer?

1. ATo check for a urinary tract infection that could delay ulcer healing
2. BTo work out the patient's fluid needs
3. CTo measure how deep the ulcer is and how much exudate it produces
4. DTo exclude significant arterial disease, as compression could cut off blood flow

A patient is receiving enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube. How should they be positioned during feeding?

1. ALying completely flat
2. BWith the head of the bed raised to at least 30 degrees
3. CIn any position, as long as the feed runs slowly
4. DLying on the left side with the head down to help the feed drain

A patient with an epidural catheter develops new back pain and increasing leg weakness when the block should be wearing off. What should be suspected?

1. AMild hypokalaemia
2. BThe normal expected effect of the local anaesthetic
3. CMuscle strain from lying in the same position in bed for many hours
4. DAn epidural haematoma or abscess compressing the spinal cord

A severely hypothermic patient is in cardiac arrest. Why is resuscitation usually continued until they are rewarmed?

1. AThe cold protects the brain, so recovery may be possible after long resuscitation
2. BAdrenaline works better in cold patients
3. CHypothermia always causes brain death quickly
4. DCold patients cannot be defibrillated at all, so CPR is the only possible treatment