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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1.Easy

What is dyspepsia?

  1. AVomiting of blood after a large meal
  2. BUpper abdominal discomfort, often called indigestion
  3. CDifficulty swallowing solid food and tablets
  4. DPain in the rectum on opening the bowels
2.Easy

What is the main purpose of marking the surgical site before an operation?

  1. ATo show where the skin should be shaved
  2. BTo record the patient's allergy status
  3. CTo prevent surgery on the wrong side or site
  4. DTo tell the porter which theatre to go to
3.Easy

What is the main serious risk of paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose?

  1. ALiver damage
  2. BHearing loss
  3. CStomach bleeding
  4. DRespiratory depression
4.Medium

A patient is starting regular oral morphine. Which bowel advice is most appropriate?

  1. AWait until there has been no stool for a week
  2. BTake a bulk-forming laxative only with very little water
  3. CStop eating fibre completely
  4. DStart a regular laxative at the same time
5.Medium

How should a patient use an incentive spirometer after surgery?

  1. ABreathe quickly in and out ten times in a row
  2. BBreathe in slowly and deeply, then hold briefly
  3. CUse it once a day, just before going to sleep at night
  4. DBlow out as hard and as fast as possible
6.Medium

Which finding suggests a deep tissue pressure injury?

  1. AA small scratch on the skin with a little fresh red blood
  2. BPale pink skin that blanches quickly when pressed
  3. CDry, flaky skin on both shins
  4. DIntact skin that is purple or maroon over a bony area
7.Hard

On day 5 after hip surgery, a patient suddenly becomes breathless, with sharp chest pain on breathing in, a pulse of 120/min and SpO₂ 89%. What should the nurse suspect and do first?

  1. AWound infection; take a wound swab and wait for results
  2. BSimple atelectasis; encourage walking around the ward
  3. CAnxiety; give reassurance and repeat the observations in an hour's time
  4. DPulmonary embolism; sit up, give oxygen and call for urgent help
8.Hard

A patient with active cancer on chemotherapy develops new swelling and pain in one calf. Why must this be reported promptly?

  1. AThe swelling shows the cancer has gone
  2. BCalf swelling is a normal effect of chemotherapy
  3. CCancer and its treatment greatly increase clot risk
  4. DIt is only a muscle strain from walking

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Upper abdominal discomfort, often called indigestion
  2. 2. C · To prevent surgery on the wrong side or site
  3. 3. A · Liver damage
  4. 4. D · Start a regular laxative at the same time
  5. 5. B · Breathe in slowly and deeply, then hold briefly
  6. 6. D · Intact skin that is purple or maroon over a bony area
  7. 7. D · Pulmonary embolism; sit up, give oxygen and call for urgent help
  8. 8. C · Cancer and its treatment greatly increase clot risk

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