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

Free printable Med-surg: GI, perioperative & oncology worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What is breakthrough pain?

  1. APain caused only by an allergy to analgesics
  2. BA flare of pain despite regular background analgesia
  3. CPain that has gone away completely with regular treatment
  4. DPain felt only during the operation
2.Easy

Which sign is typical of hepatic encephalopathy?

  1. AA flapping tremor of the outstretched hands
  2. BA stiff neck with sensitivity to light
  3. CA fine rash over the chest and arms
  4. DA drooping eyelid on one side
3.Easy

How do patients typically describe neuropathic pain?

  1. AA throbbing pain only when the area is pressed
  2. BA cramping pain that comes in waves
  3. CA dull ache that is worse on movement
  4. DBurning, shooting or like electric shocks
4.Medium

Which presentation fits acute diverticulitis?

  1. APainless jaundice with a palpable gallbladder
  2. BRight upper abdominal pain after fatty meals
  3. CLeft lower abdominal pain, fever and a raised CRP
  4. DCentral chest pain spreading to the left arm
5.Medium

A patient with cirrhosis takes lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy. What is the usual aim?

  1. ANo bowel movement for several days
  2. BTwo to three soft stools a day
  3. COne firm stool every week
  4. DTen or more watery stools a day
6.Medium

A patient had an upper GI endoscopy with a local anaesthetic throat spray. What must the nurse check before giving a drink?

  1. AThat bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants
  2. BThat swallowing and the gag reflex have returned
  3. CThat the patient's blood glucose is above normal
  4. DThat the patient has passed urine since the procedure
7.Hard

A patient rescued from a house fire has SpO₂ 99% on air but a headache, confusion and cherry-red lips. What should the nurse do?

  1. ATreat the headache with paracetamol and observe the patient overnight
  2. BRemove the oxygen, because the oxygen saturation is completely normal
  3. CGive oxygen at 2 L/min by nasal cannula and recheck in an hour
  4. DGive 100% oxygen by non-rebreather and request a carboxyhaemoglobin level
8.Hard

During radiotherapy to the chest, a patient develops pain on swallowing and is eating less. What is the most likely cause and nursing focus?

  1. ARadiation oesophagitis; analgesia, soft food and nutrition support
  2. BA stomach ulcer; give an antacid after meals only
  3. CNormal ageing; no action needed
  4. DA heart attack; give aspirin and arrange an ECG

Answer key

  1. 1. B · A flare of pain despite regular background analgesia
  2. 2. A · A flapping tremor of the outstretched hands
  3. 3. D · Burning, shooting or like electric shocks
  4. 4. C · Left lower abdominal pain, fever and a raised CRP
  5. 5. B · Two to three soft stools a day
  6. 6. B · That swallowing and the gag reflex have returned
  7. 7. D · Give 100% oxygen by non-rebreather and request a carboxyhaemoglobin level
  8. 8. A · Radiation oesophagitis; analgesia, soft food and nutrition support

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