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

Which symptom in an adult over 50 is a red flag for colorectal cancer?

1. AOne episode of loose stools after a takeaway meal
2. BOccasional wind and rumbling after eating a meal of beans
3. CMild bloating before a period
4. DA lasting change in bowel habit with rectal bleeding

Which signs suggest early hypovolaemic shock after surgery?

1. ANormal pulse with heavy sweating only after meals
2. BRising heart rate, cool skin and slow capillary refill
3. CHigh blood pressure with a fast, bounding pulse
4. DSlow heart rate, flushed skin and warm hands

What is an autograft in burn care?

1. AA synthetic dressing made in a laboratory from collagen
2. BSkin taken from another part of the patient's own body
3. CSkin taken from a pig or other animal
4. DSkin taken from a donor who has died

When is cold therapy most useful for pain?

1. AFor long-term muscle stiffness, applied continuously for several hours
2. BSoon after an acute soft tissue injury, to reduce swelling
3. CDirectly on skin with poor circulation
4. DOver numb areas where sensation is lost

Which electrolyte problem can occur in severe acute pancreatitis?

1. AHypercalcaemia
2. BHyperkalaemia
3. CHypernatraemia
4. DHypocalcaemia

Which infection control measure is correct for a patient with C. difficile diarrhoea?

1. ANo special measures once antibiotics have started
2. BA shared bay, as long as alcohol gel is used after every contact
3. CA face mask for the patient and visitors only
4. DA single room with its own toilet, and soap-and-water handwashing

A patient with known oesophageal varices is vomiting large amounts of fresh blood. Which treatments should the nurse anticipate before endoscopy?

1. ARapid saline infusion to a high blood pressure
2. BAn urgent barium swallow before any drug treatment
3. COral NSAID for pain and a high-protein meal
4. DOctreotide or terlipressin, plus IV antibiotics, during resuscitation

Four patients from a house fire arrive in the emergency department. Which should the nurse assess first?

1. APartial-thickness burns to both legs, with pain rated 8/10
2. BRedness on the backs of both hands, and very anxious
3. CA blistered forearm burn and a small cut on the knee
4. DCircumferential chest burns, with breathing becoming shallow and laboured