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

What is the normal range for serum potassium in an adult?

1. AAbout 1.5–2.5 mmol/L
2. BAbout 6.0–7.5 mmol/L
3. CAbout 3.5–5.0 mmol/L
4. DAbout 135–145 mmol/L

What causes myasthenia gravis?

1. AAntibodies against acetylcholine receptors on muscle
2. BDamage to myelin in the brain and spinal cord
3. CLoss of dopamine-producing cells in the midbrain
4. DCompression of a nerve root in the lower back

How do sulfonylureas such as gliclazide lower blood glucose?

1. AThey slow down the absorption of food
2. BThey make the kidneys pass more glucose
3. CThey replace insulin that the body lacks
4. DThey make the pancreas release more insulin

Which side effects are common with oxybutynin for an overactive bladder?

1. AA cough and a raised potassium
2. BDiarrhoea and heavy sweating
3. CDry mouth and constipation
4. DWeight loss and a fast tremor

Why can a patient with an insulin pump develop DKA within hours if the pump stops working?

1. AThe body becomes allergic to insulin when the pump stops
2. BThe battery in the pump releases chemicals into the blood
3. CThe pump gives only rapid-acting insulin, so there is no long-acting reserve
4. DThe pump gives long-acting insulin, which builds up and stops working all at once

Why must potassium be monitored closely when IV insulin is given for DKA?

1. AInsulin breaks down potassium in the bloodstream
2. BInsulin makes the kidneys retain potassium, so the level will rise
3. CInsulin moves potassium into cells, so the level can fall quickly
4. DInsulin has no effect on potassium in DKA

Which task can the registered nurse delegate to a trained healthcare assistant (nursing assistant)?

1. ATeaching a new patient how to inject insulin
2. BAssessing a confused patient whose glucose is 2.6 mmol/L (47 mg/dL)
3. CDeciding the dose of correction insulin from the glucose result
4. DChecking pre-meal glucose and reporting results out of range

A patient with a cervical spinal cord injury is helped to sit up for the first time. They become dizzy and pale, and the BP falls from 110/70 to 78/46 mmHg. What should the nurse do?

1. AStand the patient up to improve the blood flow to the legs
2. BGive a large meal and a strong coffee to raise the blood pressure
3. CLower the patient back towards lying, then raise them gradually later
4. DContinue sitting them upright, because it will pass in an hour