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

How is the length of a nasogastric tube usually estimated before insertion?

  1. AFrom the mouth to the knee on the same side of the body
  2. BFrom the chin to the umbilicus in a straight line
  3. CFrom the nose tip to the earlobe, then to the xiphisternum
  4. DAny length, as long as the whole tube is inserted
2.Easy

What is a spinal anaesthetic?

  1. ALocal anaesthetic cream rubbed on the skin
  2. BLocal anaesthetic injected into the CSF in the lower back
  3. CA sedative tablet taken the night before
  4. DA general anaesthetic gas breathed through a mask
3.Easy

What is steatorrhoea?

  1. ABlack stools caused by taking iron tablets each day
  2. BVery hard, pellet-like stools
  3. CPale, greasy, foul-smelling stools that may float
  4. DBright red blood mixed in with the stool on most days
4.Medium

When is cold therapy most useful for pain?

  1. AOver numb areas where sensation is lost
  2. BFor long-term muscle stiffness, applied continuously for several hours
  3. CSoon after an acute soft tissue injury, to reduce swelling
  4. DDirectly on skin with poor circulation
5.Medium

Which nerve is at risk if the arm is poorly padded at the elbow during surgery?

  1. AUlnar nerve
  2. BSciatic nerve
  3. CFemoral nerve
  4. DFacial nerve
6.Medium

Why are patients with cirrhosis at increased risk of bleeding?

  1. ACirrhosis raises the platelet count, which makes platelets weaker
  2. BHigh arterial blood pressure in cirrhosis makes vessels burst
  3. CFewer clotting factors, low platelets and varices from portal hypertension
  4. DThe scarred liver releases anticoagulant substances such as heparin into the blood
7.Hard

On the day after a Hartmann's procedure, the end colostomy is dark purple to black. What should the nurse do?

  1. ACut a smaller hole in the pouch
  2. BRecord it as normal postoperative bruising and recheck it next week
  3. CReport it urgently, as the stoma may be necrotic
  4. DRub the stoma to improve its colour
8.Hard

Four hours after surgery, a catheterised patient's urine output has been 10 mL/h for two hours. Vital signs are stable. What should the nurse check first?

  1. AThat the catheter and tubing are not kinked or blocked
  2. BWhether the patient wants a cup of tea
  3. CYesterday's chest X-ray and blood gas results
  4. DThe time the patient last ate

Answer key

  1. 1. C · From the nose tip to the earlobe, then to the xiphisternum
  2. 2. B · Local anaesthetic injected into the CSF in the lower back
  3. 3. C · Pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools that may float
  4. 4. C · Soon after an acute soft tissue injury, to reduce swelling
  5. 5. A · Ulnar nerve
  6. 6. C · Fewer clotting factors, low platelets and varices from portal hypertension
  7. 7. C · Report it urgently, as the stoma may be necrotic
  8. 8. A · That the catheter and tubing are not kinked or blocked

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