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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Why are pressure garments worn after burns heal?

  1. ATo reduce raised, thick scarring
  2. BTo hide the scars from other people
  3. CTo keep the patient warm in winter
  4. DTo prevent infection of the healed skin
2.Easy

Which investigation is usually used to find and treat the source of an upper GI bleed?

  1. AColonoscopy of the bowel
  2. BPlain abdominal X-ray
  3. CUpper GI endoscopy
  4. DBarium swallow study
3.Easy

Why is nail varnish or a gel nail often removed from at least one finger before surgery?

  1. ABecause varnish raises the patient's blood pressure
  2. BBecause the varnish can make the anaesthetic gas less effective
  3. CBecause it is a checklist rule with no clinical reason
  4. DSo pulse oximetry readings and nail colour can be assessed accurately
4.Medium

Which statement about corticosteroids in inflammatory bowel disease is correct?

  1. AThey cure the disease after one course
  2. BThey are used to induce remission, not for maintenance
  3. CThey are given only as a one-off injection
  4. DThey are the best long-term maintenance treatment
5.Medium

Which advice is appropriate for a patient with a very low platelet count?

  1. AUse a razor blade for shaving every day
  2. BFloss hard every day to prevent gum disease
  3. CUse a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
  4. DTake aspirin regularly for headaches
6.Medium

Which advice may help reduce the risk of a parastomal hernia after stoma surgery?

  1. ADo intensive sit-ups from the first week
  2. BStrain hard on the toilet each day to strengthen the abdominal muscles
  3. CKeep the stoma bag as full as possible
  4. DAvoid heavy lifting early on and use support garments as advised
7.Hard

Four hours after surgery, a catheterised patient's urine output has been 10 mL/h for two hours. Vital signs are stable. What should the nurse check first?

  1. AYesterday's chest X-ray and blood gas results
  2. BThat the catheter and tubing are not kinked or blocked
  3. CWhether the patient wants a cup of tea
  4. DThe time the patient last ate
8.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. AGive oxygen at 2 L/min by nasal cannula and recheck in an hour
  2. BGive 100% oxygen by non-rebreather and request a carboxyhaemoglobin level
  3. CRemove the oxygen, because the oxygen saturation is completely normal
  4. DTreat the headache with paracetamol and observe the patient overnight

Answer key

  1. 1. A · To reduce raised, thick scarring
  2. 2. C · Upper GI endoscopy
  3. 3. D · So pulse oximetry readings and nail colour can be assessed accurately
  4. 4. B · They are used to induce remission, not for maintenance
  5. 5. C · Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
  6. 6. D · Avoid heavy lifting early on and use support garments as advised
  7. 7. B · That the catheter and tubing are not kinked or blocked
  8. 8. B · Give 100% oxygen by non-rebreather and request a carboxyhaemoglobin level

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.