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

Which symptom is typical of haemorrhoids?

1. AYellow skin, dark urine and pale stools that float in the toilet
2. BBlack, tarry stools with a strong smell
3. CBright red blood on the paper after opening the bowels
4. DVomiting of dark, coffee-ground material

Where is biliary colic typically felt?

1. AIn the groin, after standing for a long time
2. BIn the right upper abdomen, often after a fatty meal
3. CIn the left lower abdomen, after passing stool
4. DIn the lower back, after lifting something heavy

What is the first aid for a dry chemical powder on the skin?

1. ACover it with a tight dressing and wait
2. BAdd vinegar to neutralise it at once
3. CRub it in with a wet cloth to spread it thinly over the skin
4. DBrush off the powder, then irrigate with plenty of water

A patient on warfarin is booked for elective surgery with a high bleeding risk. What is usual practice?

1. ASwap to aspirin on the morning of surgery
2. BDouble the dose for a week so the blood is ready for surgery
3. CTake the usual dose on the morning of surgery
4. DStop it about 5 days before and check the INR

Which is a recognised side effect of ondansetron?

1. AConstipation
2. BSevere hypoglycaemia
3. CHearing loss
4. DHair loss

How is an uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus often first treated?

1. AEating a large high-fibre meal
2. BDecompression with a flexible sigmoidoscope and flatus tube
3. CA barium meal given by mouth to untwist the bowel slowly
4. DHigh-dose laxatives taken by mouth

On the day after a Hartmann's procedure, the end colostomy is dark purple to black. What should the nurse do?

1. ACut a smaller hole in the pouch
2. BRecord it as normal postoperative bruising and recheck it next week
3. CReport it urgently, as the stoma may be necrotic
4. DRub the stoma to improve its colour

A patient's ileostomy output is 2.5 L a day. They feel tired and dizzy and are drinking large amounts of water. Which advice is usually appropriate?

1. ADrink even more plain water and tea to replace the losses
2. BStop all drinking for 24 hours
3. CEat only fruit and fruit juice
4. DLimit plain drinks and use an oral rehydration solution