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

Why is adrenaline sometimes added to a local anaesthetic?

  1. AIt turns the local anaesthetic into a general anaesthetic
  2. BIt makes the patient fall asleep more quickly
  3. CIt stops the local anaesthetic causing any allergy
  4. DIt narrows vessels, so the block lasts longer and bleeding is less
2.Easy

Which signs suggest a deep vein thrombosis in the leg?

  1. AItching between the toes of both feet
  2. BCold, pale feet on both sides with no pulse
  3. CA painless rash on both shins
  4. DSwelling, pain, warmth and redness of one calf
3.Easy

What is abdominal paracentesis?

  1. AInjection of dye into a vein in the arm
  2. BRemoval of the gallbladder through several small abdominal incisions
  3. CDraining fluid from the abdominal cavity with a needle or drain
  4. DA camera test of the lining of the large bowel
4.Medium

Why is an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) measured before compression bandaging for a leg ulcer?

  1. ATo find out how deep the ulcer is
  2. BTo find the bacteria in the wound
  3. CTo check for a leg bone fracture
  4. DTo exclude significant arterial disease
5.Medium

Which factor can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with cirrhosis?

  1. AConstipation
  2. BA high fluid intake
  3. CA low-salt diet
  4. DRegular gentle walking
6.Medium

Which rule about the sterile field is correct?

  1. ASterile items can be passed across a non-sterile area freely
  2. BA sterile pack stays sterile even when it is wet
  3. CIf sterility is in doubt, the item is treated as contaminated
  4. DThe area below a gowned person's waist is sterile
7.Hard

A patient with a permanent pacemaker is booked for surgery using monopolar diathermy. Why must the team know?

  1. APacemakers stop all bleeding during surgery
  2. BThe patient cannot have any anaesthetic at all
  3. CDiathermy can interfere with the pacemaker's function
  4. DThe pacemaker will always be removed during surgery
8.Hard

A patient with known prostate cancer reports new, worsening back pain and leg weakness. What is the most important action?

  1. AReassure the patient that back pain is common and not serious
  2. BArrange routine physiotherapy for the back pain in the next month
  3. CPossible cord compression: escalate, steroids as prescribed, urgent MRI
  4. DAdvise rest at home with paracetamol and review at the next clinic visit

Answer key

  1. 1. D · It narrows vessels, so the block lasts longer and bleeding is less
  2. 2. D · Swelling, pain, warmth and redness of one calf
  3. 3. C · Draining fluid from the abdominal cavity with a needle or drain
  4. 4. D · To exclude significant arterial disease
  5. 5. A · Constipation
  6. 6. C · If sterility is in doubt, the item is treated as contaminated
  7. 7. C · Diathermy can interfere with the pacemaker's function
  8. 8. C · Possible cord compression: escalate, steroids as prescribed, urgent MRI

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