Med-surg: GI, perioperative & oncology worksheet with answers

Free printable Med-surg: GI, perioperative & oncology 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 healing by secondary intention?

  1. AA wound that heals without any new tissue
  2. BA wound left open that heals from the base upwards
  3. CA wound closed with sutures straight after surgery
  4. DA wound closed a few days after it was left open
2.Easy

Which advice helps a patient with oral mucositis from chemotherapy?

  1. AStopping all mouth care until the soreness settles
  2. BGentle care with a soft toothbrush and saline mouth rinses
  3. CHot, spicy food to stimulate the flow of saliva
  4. DAn alcohol-based mouthwash used several times a day to disinfect
3.Easy

What does "coffee-ground" vomit usually indicate?

  1. ABile coming back from an obstructed small bowel
  2. BUndigested food from several days ago
  3. CA side effect of drinking strong coffee
  4. DBlood that has been partly digested by stomach acid
4.Medium

A day after a spinal anaesthetic, a patient has a headache that is worse when sitting up and better when lying flat. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AMigraine caused by hospital lighting
  2. BPost-dural puncture headache
  3. CA side effect of the antibiotic
  4. DRaised blood pressure from pain
5.Medium

What is a Curling's ulcer?

  1. AA leg ulcer caused by venous disease after long bed rest
  2. BA stress ulcer of the stomach or duodenum after a major burn
  3. CA burn on the sole of the foot
  4. DA pressure ulcer under a splint that has been left on too long
6.Medium

Which statement about pain relief in acute pancreatitis is correct?

  1. AOnly paracetamol may be given
  2. BOpioids must never be used in pancreatitis
  3. COpioids can be used, and good analgesia is a priority
  4. DPain relief should be withheld until the diagnosis is certain
7.Hard

Two days after surgery, a patient on regular ibuprofen has a low urine output and a rising creatinine, and intake has been poor. What should the nurse do?

  1. AGive the next dose with extra food
  2. BWithhold the next dose and report to the prescriber
  3. CIncrease the dose to treat the pain better and encourage fluids
  4. DChange to a higher-strength NSAID tablet
8.Hard

After two days of large volumes of IV 5% glucose, a postoperative patient becomes confused with a headache. Sodium is 124 mmol/L. What is the likely cause?

  1. AHypernatraemia from too much salt
  2. BHypoglycaemia from the glucose
  3. CNormal confusion after any anaesthetic
  4. DHyponatraemia from hypotonic fluids

Answer key

  1. 1. B · A wound left open that heals from the base upwards
  2. 2. B · Gentle care with a soft toothbrush and saline mouth rinses
  3. 3. D · Blood that has been partly digested by stomach acid
  4. 4. B · Post-dural puncture headache
  5. 5. B · A stress ulcer of the stomach or duodenum after a major burn
  6. 6. C · Opioids can be used, and good analgesia is a priority
  7. 7. B · Withhold the next dose and report to the prescriber
  8. 8. D · Hyponatraemia from hypotonic fluids

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