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

Which precaution is most important to reduce infection in a patient with neutropenia?

1. AKeeping the patient in bed
2. BAntibiotics for every visitor
3. CKeeping the curtains closed all day
4. DStrict hand hygiene by everyone

What is the "nadir" in chemotherapy?

1. AThe time when blood counts are highest after a cycle
2. BThe first day of a new chemotherapy cycle
3. CThe time when blood counts are lowest after a cycle
4. DThe last day of a course of radiotherapy

A patient receiving external beam radiotherapy asks whether they are radioactive. What is correct?

1. ANo, they are not radioactive and can be with family
2. BOnly their clothes are radioactive afterwards
3. CYes, so they must avoid all contact with children and pregnant women
4. DYes, for one month after each session

What is tumour lysis syndrome?

1. AA metabolic emergency from rapid breakdown of cancer cells
2. BA slow-growing tumour that presses on the nerves
3. CA skin reaction in an area recently treated with radiotherapy
4. DAn allergic reaction to a chemotherapy infusion

Which diet is usually recommended for a patient with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy?

1. AA very low-protein diet for the rest of their life to lower ammonia
2. BOnly clear fluids for several weeks
3. CNo food at all until the confusion settles
4. DNormal protein and enough calories, with a late-evening snack

Which finding means a patient is usually ready to leave recovery for the ward?

1. APain score 9/10 and vomiting repeatedly
2. BAwake, with a clear airway, stable observations and controlled pain
3. CSystolic BP falling steadily over the last hour, with a rising pulse rate
4. DStill drowsy and needing a jaw thrust to breathe

Which new prescription for a patient with cirrhosis should the nurse question?

1. AThiamine supplements
2. BSpironolactone for ascites
3. CLactulose to keep the bowels open
4. DRegular ibuprofen for back pain

A patient is splashed in the eye with an alkaline cleaning product. What is the first action?

1. AAsk the patient to rub the eye to clear it
2. BIrrigate the eye at once with large volumes of water or saline
3. CAdd a few drops of vinegar to neutralise it
4. DCover the eye with a pad and wait for a doctor to examine it first