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

Why is a temporary loop ileostomy often formed after a low bowel resection?

1. ATo divert stool while the join further down heals
2. BTo let the patient eat without chewing
3. CTo drain urine from the kidneys
4. DTo remove the whole colon permanently in a single operation

Which preoperative allergy must be communicated so that theatre equipment can be changed?

1. APollen allergy
2. BHouse dust mite allergy
3. CLatex allergy
4. DCat hair allergy

How is the length of a nasogastric tube usually estimated before insertion?

1. AAny length, as long as the whole tube is inserted
2. BFrom the nose tip to the earlobe, then to the xiphisternum
3. CFrom the chin to the umbilicus in a straight line
4. DFrom the mouth to the knee on the same side of the body

Why do patients usually have a dental review before radiotherapy to the head and neck?

1. AIt causes dry mouth and raises the risk of decay and jaw damage
2. BThe dentist gives the radiotherapy
3. CRadiotherapy can only be given once all the teeth have been removed
4. DTeeth block the radiation beam completely

A patient on enteral feeding develops diarrhoea. What should the nurse review first?

1. AThe patient's mobility aids and walking distance
2. BThe colour of the feeding bag label
3. CThe patient's eye drops and skin creams
4. DThe medicine chart, including laxatives and antibiotics

Which statement about multimodal analgesia is correct?

1. AIt is a method used only for long-term chronic pain
2. BDrugs with different actions are combined to reduce opioid needs
3. COnly one analgesic should ever be given at any one time
4. DSeveral different opioids are combined for a stronger overall effect

A patient who had a coronary stent placed two months ago, on aspirin and clopidogrel, presents with melaena and is now stable. What is the most appropriate approach to the antiplatelet drugs?

1. AContinue both drugs unchanged and do not mention the bleeding to the team
2. BStop both drugs permanently, because any bleeding means they are no longer safe
3. CDouble both doses, because bleeding means the stent is at greater risk of clotting
4. DReport the bleed; the team decides with cardiology input, balancing bleeding against stent thrombosis

A patient with an epidural after abdominal surgery has BP 82/48 mmHg, a pulse of 70/min and warm feet. Bleeding has been excluded. What is the most likely cause?

1. ASympathetic block from the epidural
2. BAnaphylaxis to the local anaesthetic
3. CHypovolaemic shock from blood loss
4. DCardiogenic shock after surgery