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

Which signs suggest a surgical site infection?

1. AMild bruising around the wound that is fading a little each day
2. BMild itching as the wound heals
3. CA dry wound edge with a thin scab
4. DIncreasing pain, redness, swelling, heat and pus

Which exercises are usually taught to patients before major surgery?

1. AHolding the breath for as long as possible
2. BLong-distance running every day
3. CDeep breathing, coughing and leg exercises
4. DHeavy weightlifting to build strength

What is dyspepsia?

1. APain in the rectum on opening the bowels
2. BUpper abdominal discomfort, often called indigestion
3. CDifficulty swallowing solid food and tablets
4. DVomiting of blood after a large meal

Which statement about pain relief in acute pancreatitis is correct?

1. APain relief should be withheld until the diagnosis is certain
2. BOpioids must never be used in pancreatitis
3. COnly paracetamol may be given
4. DOpioids can be used, and good analgesia is a priority

A patient with an acute upper GI bleed has a normal haemoglobin on arrival. Why can this be misleading?

1. AHaemoglobin only falls after a whole week of continuous bleeding
2. BHaemoglobin is not affected by bleeding from the gut
3. CIt falls only after fluid shifts or IV fluids dilute the blood
4. DHaemoglobin always rises at first after any blood loss

During which period after surgery is wound dehiscence most likely?

1. AAbout 5–10 days after surgery
2. BWithin the first hour
3. CMore than a year after surgery
4. DOnly during the operation

While a central line is disconnected, a patient suddenly becomes breathless with chest pain and hypotension. Air embolism is suspected. What should the nurse do first?

1. AClamp the line, lie the patient left side down, head low; give oxygen
2. BSit the patient fully upright and flush the line
3. CGive the patient a drink and observe for an hour
4. DRemove the central line straight away and leave the site open to the air

After surgery, a patient keeps asking for analgesia before it is due, watches the clock and rates pain 8/10. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

1. AThe patient is exaggerating, so the pain scores should be ignored for now
2. BPain may be undertreated; reassess and ask for a review of the plan
3. CThe patient is addicted and should have analgesia withheld
4. DThe patient needs only distraction and no change in drugs