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

Which two sites are most common for pressure ulcers in patients lying in bed?

1. AThe sacrum and the heels
2. BThe forearms and the knees
3. CThe palms and the forehead
4. DThe thighs and the upper arms

Which bowel sounds are typical early in a mechanical small bowel obstruction?

1. ACompletely absent sounds from the start
2. BQuiet, normal gurgling sounds
3. CA pleural friction rub
4. DHigh-pitched, tinkling sounds

Which statement about hepatitis C is correct?

1. AIt is spread mainly by food, and a vaccine is given to babies
2. BIt always clears by itself within two weeks
3. CIt is spread mainly through blood, and there is no vaccine
4. DIt can be treated only with a liver transplant

What is often the earliest sign of malignant hyperthermia during anaesthesia?

1. AAn unexplained rise in end-tidal CO₂
2. BFlushed skin with a falling CO₂ level
3. CA slowing heart rate and low blood pressure
4. DA steady fall in body temperature

Why is it important to prevent perioperative hypothermia?

1. AIt increases bleeding, wound infection and heart complications
2. BIt makes patients wake up from the anaesthetic too quickly
3. CIt reduces the amount of anaesthetic needed, which is unsafe
4. DIt lowers the risk of pain after surgery

Which approach to red cell transfusion in a stable patient with a GI bleed fits current evidence?

1. AA restrictive threshold, often around 70 g/L, in most stable patients
2. BNever transfuse, whatever the haemoglobin or the symptoms
3. CTransfuse two units routinely before every endoscopy
4. DTransfuse everyone to keep the haemoglobin above 150 g/L at all times

A patient with a toe ulcer says the leg pain is worse at night and eases when they hang the leg over the side of the bed. What does this suggest?

1. ALymphoedema
2. BArterial insufficiency
3. CNeuropathic itching
4. DVenous insufficiency

On the ward after surgery, a patient has a red, blistered area of skin under where the diathermy plate was. What should the nurse do?

1. ATreat it as a possible burn, report it and complete an incident form
2. BIgnore it because skin changes after surgery are normal and expected to fade
3. CApply a hot water bottle to improve the circulation
4. DWash it with alcohol and leave it uncovered