Med-surg: neuro, endocrine & renal worksheet with answers

Free printable Med-surg: neuro, endocrine & renal 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

How is the headache of a subarachnoid haemorrhage typically described?

  1. AA tight band around the head that comes and goes
  2. BSlowly worsening over several weeks, worst in the morning
  3. COne-sided and throbbing, with an aura beforehand
  4. DSudden and severe, reaching its peak within about a minute
2.Easy

What is an arteriovenous fistula?

  1. AA catheter placed into the abdominal cavity
  2. BA plastic tube placed in a large neck vein
  3. CA surgical join between an artery and a vein
  4. DA blood clot that blocks an artery in the arm
3.Easy

In the FAST stroke test, what does the letter A stand for?

  1. AAlertness: is the person fully awake?
  2. BArms: can both arms be raised and held there?
  3. CAirway: is the airway open and clear?
  4. DAllergies: is the person allergic to anything?
4.Medium

A patient with a spinal cord injury can still feel a light touch around the anus. What does this show?

  1. AThe injury is incomplete, which suggests a better chance of recovery
  2. BThe patient has an injury of the brain, not the cord
  3. CThe sensation is only a spinal reflex and has no real meaning for recovery
  4. DThe injury is complete, and recovery is not possible
5.Medium

What is the dexamethasone suppression test used for?

  1. ATo measure kidney function
  2. BTo diagnose diabetes insipidus
  3. CTo help diagnose Cushing's syndrome
  4. DTo check thyroid function
6.Medium

A patient with migraine takes painkillers or triptans on most days and now has a headache almost every day. What is the likely problem?

  1. AAn allergy to the painkillers
  2. BMedication overuse headache
  3. CA brain tumour, which is almost certain
  4. DNormal progress of migraine
7.Hard

A student has fever, a severe headache, a spreading non-blanching rash and a BP of 85/50 mmHg. A lumbar puncture is planned. What is the priority?

  1. AArrange a CT scan of the head before any treatment
  2. BWait until after the lumbar puncture before giving antibiotics
  3. CGive paracetamol (acetaminophen) and recheck observations in an hour
  4. DGive IV antibiotics at once and start sepsis treatment
8.Hard

A patient with AKI has a low urine sodium and concentrated urine. What does this suggest?

  1. ADiabetes insipidus, with too little ADH
  2. BA post-renal blockage, with urine backed up
  3. CAcute tubular necrosis, with damaged and leaking tubules
  4. DA pre-renal cause, with kidneys holding salt and water

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Sudden and severe, reaching its peak within about a minute
  2. 2. C · A surgical join between an artery and a vein
  3. 3. B · Arms: can both arms be raised and held there?
  4. 4. A · The injury is incomplete, which suggests a better chance of recovery
  5. 5. C · To help diagnose Cushing's syndrome
  6. 6. B · Medication overuse headache
  7. 7. D · Give IV antibiotics at once and start sepsis treatment
  8. 8. D · A pre-renal cause, with kidneys holding salt and water

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