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

Which lifestyle advice helps reduce night-time reflux symptoms?

1. ADrink a large glass of fizzy water before lying down
2. BSleep flat on several pillows placed under the knees
3. CNo food for 3 hours before bed, with the head of the bed raised
4. DHave the largest meal of the day just before going to bed to aid sleep

Why is a nasogastric tube often inserted in bowel obstruction?

1. ATo give a high-fibre feed past the blockage directly
2. BTo measure the pressure inside the bowel
3. CTo decompress the stomach and reduce vomiting
4. DTo give laxatives to clear the obstruction

What does PCA stand for in pain management?

1. APain control by an assistant
2. BPrescribed continuous anaesthesia
3. CPatient-controlled analgesia
4. DPost-care assessment

How should a patient use an incentive spirometer after surgery?

1. ABreathe in slowly and deeply, then hold briefly
2. BBreathe quickly in and out ten times in a row
3. CUse it once a day, just before going to sleep at night
4. DBlow out as hard and as fast as possible

What is the role of sodium restriction and spironolactone in cirrhosis?

1. ATo increase potassium loss and prevent hyperkalaemia
2. BTo raise the blood pressure and improve kidney blood flow
3. CTo reduce sodium and water retention and control ascites
4. DTo lower blood ammonia and treat encephalopathy

Why is the Lund and Browder chart preferred to the rule of nines for children?

1. AIt is used only for burns of the hands
2. BIt is faster to use than any other method of estimation
3. CIt counts superficial burns as well
4. DIt adjusts for body proportions that change with age

On the morning of elective hip surgery, a patient says she took her usual warfarin last night despite being told to stop. What should the nurse do?

1. ATell her the surgery must be cancelled for a month
2. BInform the surgical and anaesthetic teams, who will check the INR
3. CGive a double dose of vitamin K by mouth without waiting for a prescription
4. DProceed with the usual checklist and say nothing

During bowel preparation, an older patient becomes dizzy and confused. Blood tests show sodium 127 mmol/L. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive the rest of the preparation more quickly
2. BStop the preparation and escalate to the medical team
3. CRecord it and continue as planned, as this is expected
4. DEncourage plain water only, as much as possible