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 range for serum sodium in adults (in mmol/L, numerically equal to mEq/L)?

  1. A3.5–5.0 mmol/L
  2. B135–145 mmol/L
  3. C95–105 mmol/L
  4. D2.2–2.6 mmol/L
2.Easy

"Coffee-ground" vomit suggests:

  1. AKidney failure
  2. BFood poisoning with vomiting but without any bleeding
  3. CBleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract
  4. DBowel obstruction low in the colon
3.Easy

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

  1. A94–98%
  2. B88–92% for everyone
  3. C100% at all times
  4. D80–84%
4.Medium

Why is blood pressure monitored closely in a patient with an epidural infusion?

  1. AThe local anaesthetic can block sympathetic nerves and cause hypotension
  2. BBlood pressure readings show whether the catheter is infected
  3. CEpidurals always cause severe hypertension that needs regular treatment
  4. DThe epidural pump uses the blood pressure to set the rate
5.Medium

Which lifestyle advice helps a patient with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease?

  1. AWear tight belts to support the stomach
  2. BAvoid large meals late in the evening and raise the head of the bed
  3. CEat one very large meal a day rather than several small ones
  4. DLie down straight after each meal to let the food settle
6.Medium

A patient with MRSA colonisation is admitted. Which precautions are appropriate?

  1. AAirborne precautions with an FFP3 respirator mask for all staff
  2. BContact precautions with gloves, apron and good hand hygiene
  3. CNo precautions are needed for colonisation
  4. DIsolation in a negative-pressure room for six months
7.Hard

A patient with diabetes is found confused with slurred speech and weakness on one side. What should the nurse check first?

  1. ASerum cholesterol
  2. BBody mass index
  3. CCapillary blood glucose
  4. DUrine output for the last day
8.Hard

A patient with suspected appendicitis says the pain suddenly eased, but an hour later has pain all over the abdomen, a rigid abdomen and a fever. What is most likely?

  1. AThe appendicitis has resolved without treatment
  2. BThe analgesia has started working
  3. CThe appendix has perforated, causing peritonitis
  4. DThe patient has developed gastroenteritis

Answer key

  1. 1. B · 135–145 mmol/L
  2. 2. C · Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract
  3. 3. A · 94–98%
  4. 4. A · The local anaesthetic can block sympathetic nerves and cause hypotension
  5. 5. B · Avoid large meals late in the evening and raise the head of the bed
  6. 6. B · Contact precautions with gloves, apron and good hand hygiene
  7. 7. C · Capillary blood glucose
  8. 8. C · The appendix has perforated, causing peritonitis

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