Clinical nursing worksheet with answers

Free printable Clinical nursing worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

How deep should chest compressions be during adult CPR?

  1. A1–2 cm
  2. B8–10 cm
  3. C5–6 cm
  4. D2–3 cm
2.Easy

What is the usual normal platelet count in adults?

  1. A4–11 × 109/L (4,000–11,000/mm3)
  2. B150–400 × 109/L (150,000–400,000/mm3)
  3. C1,000–2,000 × 109/L (1–2 million/mm3)
  4. D1–2 × 109/L (1,000–2,000/mm3)
3.Easy

In acute appendicitis, where does the pain classically start and where does it move to?

  1. AIt starts in the left shoulder and moves to the back
  2. BIt starts in the right upper abdomen and moves up to the centre of the chest
  3. CIt starts in the left lower abdomen and stays there
  4. DIt starts around the umbilicus and moves to the right lower abdomen
4.Medium

After a needlestick injury from a patient known to have HIV, why must the nurse report it immediately?

  1. APost-exposure prophylaxis works best when started as soon as possible
  2. BThe needle must be sent for culture
  3. CThe nurse must be tested for HIV the same day to confirm infection
  4. DThe patient will need antibiotics
5.Medium

A patient with type 1 diabetes is vomiting and eating little. What is correct sick-day advice?

  1. ACheck glucose once a day only
  2. BHalve fluid intake to prevent vomiting
  3. CStop insulin until eating normally again to avoid hypoglycaemia
  4. DDo not stop insulin; check glucose and ketones more often
6.Medium

Which advice should be given to a patient with a new permanent pacemaker?

  1. AAvoid using all household electrical appliances such as kettles
  2. BNever raise the arm on that side again
  3. CTell staff about the pacemaker before any MRI scan or procedure
  4. DStop all heart medicines straight away
7.Hard

Which patient should a ward nurse assess first at the start of a shift?

  1. AA patient asking for a laxative
  2. BA patient with new-onset confusion and a respiratory rate of 28/min
  3. CA patient awaiting discharge with stable observations
  4. DA patient with chronic back pain scored 4/10
8.Hard

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. BDocument the result and take no further action
  3. CEscalate urgently, as the patient may be bleeding
  4. DRecheck the haemoglobin next week

Answer key

  1. 1. C · 5–6 cm
  2. 2. B · 150–400 × 109/L (150,000–400,000/mm3)
  3. 3. D · It starts around the umbilicus and moves to the right lower abdomen
  4. 4. A · Post-exposure prophylaxis works best when started as soon as possible
  5. 5. D · Do not stop insulin; check glucose and ketones more often
  6. 6. C · Tell staff about the pacemaker before any MRI scan or procedure
  7. 7. B · A patient with new-onset confusion and a respiratory rate of 28/min
  8. 8. C · Escalate urgently, as the patient may be bleeding

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