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

What is metastasis?

1. AThe first appearance of a tumour in a single organ of the body
2. BSpread of cancer cells to a distant part of the body
3. CShrinking of a tumour after treatment
4. DHealing of tissue after a biopsy

Where should a diathermy return electrode (plate) be placed?

1. AOver a bony area such as the hip bone
2. BOver a metal joint replacement
3. COn skin covered with spirit-based prep that is still wet
4. DOn clean, dry skin over a well-perfused muscle

Which signs suggest early hypovolaemic shock after surgery?

1. ASlow heart rate, flushed skin and warm hands
2. BHigh blood pressure with a fast, bounding pulse
3. CNormal pulse with heavy sweating only after meals
4. DRising heart rate, cool skin and slow capillary refill

A patient with obstructive sleep apnoea is admitted for surgery. Which instruction is most appropriate?

1. ABring their CPAP machine to use after surgery
2. BStop all pain relief for the first three days
3. CAvoid sleeping at all on the night after surgery
4. DLie flat on their back for the first night

A patient is starting regular oral morphine. Which bowel advice is most appropriate?

1. AStart a regular laxative at the same time
2. BWait until there has been no stool for a week
3. CTake a bulk-forming laxative only with very little water
4. DStop eating fibre completely

Which is a recognised risk of long-term proton pump inhibitor use?

1. AHypomagnesaemia
2. BHypercalcaemia
3. CHypernatraemia
4. DHyperkalaemia

A patient with a severe flare of ulcerative colitis develops abdominal distension, fever and tachycardia, and the stool frequency has dropped. What should the nurse suspect?

1. ASimple constipation from low intake
2. BToxic megacolon
3. CHaemorrhoids caused by diarrhoea
4. DThe flare is getting better

A nurse teaches a carer about overnight tube feeding at home. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A"I'll check the external length mark on the tube every day."
2. B"I'll stop the feed and call if he coughs or struggles to breathe."
3. C"I'll flush the tube with water before and after his medicines."
4. D"I'll let him lie flat so he sleeps better while the feed runs."