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

What is the usual normal platelet count in adults?

  1. A4–11 × 109/L (4,000–11,000/mm3)
  2. B1–2 × 109/L (1,000–2,000/mm3)
  3. C150–400 × 109/L (150,000–400,000/mm3)
  4. D1,000–2,000 × 109/L (1–2 million/mm3)
2.Easy

What does "orthopnoea" mean?

  1. ABreathlessness when lying flat
  2. BA pause in breathing during sleep
  3. CBreathing that is abnormally slow
  4. DBreathlessness only during exercise
3.Easy

Why are patients having chemotherapy at increased risk of infection?

  1. AChemotherapy stops the patient from sweating
  2. BChemotherapy raises the white cell count too high for it to work properly
  3. CChemotherapy makes the skin thicker
  4. DChemotherapy suppresses the bone marrow and lowers the white cell count
4.Medium

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

  1. AMetabolic acidosis from a low bicarbonate
  2. BRespiratory acidosis from a high PaCO2
  3. CRespiratory alkalosis from a low PaCO2
  4. DMetabolic alkalosis from vomiting
5.Medium

An unconscious patient with diabetes has a blood glucose of 2.1 mmol/L and no IV access. What can be given?

  1. AGlucose tablets by mouth
  2. BSubcutaneous insulin
  3. CIntramuscular glucagon
  4. DOral fruit juice
6.Medium

Why is an urgent brain scan needed before thrombolysis for a suspected stroke?

  1. ATo confirm the patient's age
  2. BTo check for brain tumours only
  3. CTo rule out bleeding in the brain
  4. DTo measure the size of the ventricles
7.Hard

A patient with an acute GI bleed has a heart rate of 120/min and blood pressure 90/60 mmHg. What is the nursing priority after calling for help?

  1. AGive a large meal to restore energy
  2. BSecure large-bore IV access and prepare for fluid or blood replacement
  3. CDelay action until the stool colour is checked
  4. DEncourage walking to the bathroom alone
8.Hard

A patient with hyperkalaemia is given IV insulin with glucose. What is the purpose, and what must be monitored?

  1. ATo shift potassium into cells; blood glucose must be monitored for hypoglycaemia
  2. BTo protect the heart muscle directly; the patient must be kept nil by mouth
  3. CTo remove potassium from the body; urine output must be stopped for a time
  4. DTo treat hidden diabetes; HbA1c must be checked daily

Answer key

  1. 1. C · 150–400 × 109/L (150,000–400,000/mm3)
  2. 2. A · Breathlessness when lying flat
  3. 3. D · Chemotherapy suppresses the bone marrow and lowers the white cell count
  4. 4. C · Respiratory alkalosis from a low PaCO2
  5. 5. C · Intramuscular glucagon
  6. 6. C · To rule out bleeding in the brain
  7. 7. B · Secure large-bore IV access and prepare for fluid or blood replacement
  8. 8. A · To shift potassium into cells; blood glucose must be monitored for hypoglycaemia

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