Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

What is the most important measure to prevent pressure ulcers in a bed-bound patient?

1. AMassaging red areas firmly
2. BRestricting fluids
3. CKeeping the patient in one position all day
4. DRegular repositioning to relieve pressure

Which of these drugs is an antiplatelet agent?

1. AFurosemide
2. BClopidogrel
3. CWarfarin
4. DAtorvastatin

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 1.5–2.5 mmol/L
3. CAbout 135–145 mmol/L
4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mmol/L

Why is lactulose given to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy?

1. ATo increase the liver's production of albumin
2. BTo lower the blood glucose
3. CTo stop bleeding from varices
4. DTo reduce the absorption of ammonia from the gut

Which is a recognised risk factor for postoperative nausea and vomiting?

1. ABeing a smoker
2. BA short operation under local anaesthetic
3. CBeing male
4. DUse of opioids after surgery

What is the best way to protect the heels of a bed-bound patient from pressure damage?

1. ARest the heels on a rolled-up towel
2. BOffload the heels so they do not touch the mattress
3. CApply a tight bandage to the heels
4. DMassage the heels firmly several times a day to help circulation

A day after surgery, a patient's haemoglobin has fallen from 125 g/L to 85 g/L (12.5 to 8.5 g/dL) and their heart rate has risen to 118/min. What is the priority?

1. AEncourage the patient to eat iron-rich foods
2. BEscalate urgently, as the patient may be bleeding
3. CRecheck the haemoglobin next week
4. DDocument the result and take no further action

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