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

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

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

Who is responsible for obtaining informed consent for surgery?

1. AThe clinician doing the procedure, or a trained delegate
2. BThe ward clerk who arranges the patient's admission
3. CThe patient's next of kin, or the closest relative who is present
4. DAny member of staff who is free at the time

If hair must be removed before surgery, which method is recommended?

1. AElectric clippers on the day of surgery
2. BA wax strip several days before surgery
3. CPulling the hairs out with tweezers
4. DA razor shave the night before surgery

Why are laxatives and enemas avoided when appendicitis is suspected?

1. AThey make the blood tests impossible to read
2. BThey stop antibiotics from being absorbed
3. CThey always cause the appendix to bleed heavily
4. DThey may increase the risk of perforation

After a percutaneous liver biopsy, how is the patient usually positioned at first?

1. ASitting upright, with the legs over the edge of the bed
2. BOn the right side, to press on the puncture site
3. CProne, with the head lower than the feet
4. DOn the left side, to drain the liver

How can low-dose opioids help a patient with breathlessness from advanced cancer?

1. AThey cure the underlying lung disease
2. BThey increase the oxygen level in the blood
3. CThey open the airways like an inhaler
4. DThey reduce the feeling of breathlessness

A nurse finds a dislodged sealed radiation source in the bed of a patient receiving brachytherapy. What should the nurse do?

1. AThrow it in the clinical waste bag
2. BUse long-handled forceps to put it in the lead container; report it
3. CPick it up with gloved hands and put it in the nearest sharps bin quickly
4. DLeave it in the bed until the end of the shift

A patient took a large paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose 6 hours ago and says they feel completely well. Which statement is correct?

1. AFeeling well means the dose was too small to cause harm
2. BLiver damage may still develop, and appears only days later
3. CTreatment is not needed if the patient has not vomited
4. DLiver damage after paracetamol occurs only within the first hour or so