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

Which statement describes moderate ("conscious") sedation?

  1. AThe patient needs a ventilator to breathe
  2. BThe patient cannot be roused by any stimulus, even a painful one
  3. CThe patient is drowsy but responds to voice or light touch
  4. DThe patient is fully alert and anxious
2.Easy

Which sign is typical of hepatic encephalopathy?

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

Why does a low serum albumin contribute to oedema?

  1. AIt blocks the lymph vessels in the abdomen
  2. BIt causes the heart to pump more blood into the legs
  3. CIt raises blood pressure and pushes fluid into the kidneys
  4. DIt lowers oncotic pressure, so fluid leaks into tissues
4.Medium

Why is the "whoosh" test no longer used to check nasogastric tube position?

  1. AIt needs an X-ray machine at the bedside
  2. BThe test is far too painful for most patients to tolerate
  3. CAir can be heard even when the tube is in the lung
  4. DThe air always makes the tube block
5.Medium

Which neutrophil count indicates severe neutropenia?

  1. AAbove 10 × 109/L
  2. BAbove 2.0 × 109/L
  3. CBelow 0.5 × 109/L
  4. DBelow 7.5 × 109/L
6.Medium

Why is regular (scheduled) analgesia often preferred to "as required" doses in the first days after major surgery?

  1. AIt keeps drug levels steady and prevents severe peaks of pain
  2. BIt removes the need to assess the patient's pain during the day
  3. CIt completely prevents all opioid side effects
  4. DIt allows doses higher than the maximum daily limit to be given
7.Hard

A patient on warfarin has a major upper GI bleed with an INR of 5. Which treatment should the nurse anticipate to reverse the warfarin?

  1. AProtamine sulfate on its own
  2. BMore warfarin to stabilise the INR
  3. CProthrombin complex concentrate with IV vitamin K
  4. DOral aspirin to balance the clotting system quickly
8.Hard

A patient who takes NSAIDs suddenly develops severe epigastric pain, a rigid abdomen and shoulder-tip pain. Which finding would most support the likely diagnosis?

  1. ATall, peaked T waves on a 12-lead ECG
  2. BFree air under the diaphragm on an erect chest X-ray
  3. CA raised serum lipase three times the upper limit
  4. DFluid levels in the bladder on an ultrasound scan

Answer key

  1. 1. C · The patient is drowsy but responds to voice or light touch
  2. 2. C · A flapping tremor of the outstretched hands
  3. 3. D · It lowers oncotic pressure, so fluid leaks into tissues
  4. 4. C · Air can be heard even when the tube is in the lung
  5. 5. C · Below 0.5 × 109/L
  6. 6. A · It keeps drug levels steady and prevents severe peaks of pain
  7. 7. C · Prothrombin complex concentrate with IV vitamin K
  8. 8. B · Free air under the diaphragm on an erect chest X-ray

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