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

Which symptoms are classic for high blood glucose?

1. APassing a lot of urine, thirst and weight loss
2. BJoint pain, morning stiffness and fever
3. CShaking, sweating and a racing heart
4. DWeight gain, feeling cold all the time and dry skin

Which head position is generally used for a patient with raised intracranial pressure?

1. ALying flat, with the head turned well to one side
2. BHead raised to about 30°, with the neck straight
3. CSitting upright, with the neck bent forward
4. DHead lower than the body (Trendelenburg)

What is a goitre?

1. AAn enlarged thyroid gland
2. BA swollen lymph node in the armpit
3. CAn overactive parathyroid gland
4. DA tumour of the adrenal gland

After a kidney biopsy, which observation is most important?

1. AThe temperature every four hours only
2. BThe colour of the patient's skin on the face
3. CThe patient's appetite at the next meal
4. DSigns of bleeding, such as haematuria and a rising pulse

A bladder scan straight after voiding shows 450 mL of urine still in the bladder. What does this show?

1. AThe patient has drunk too little fluid
2. BThe bladder is not emptying properly
3. CThe patient is passing urine normally
4. DThe kidneys are making too little urine

Why is pyridostigmine often taken about 30–60 minutes before meals by patients with myasthenia gravis?

1. ATo improve the strength of chewing and swallowing at mealtimes
2. BTo lower the blood glucose rise after eating a meal
3. CTo stop the drug from irritating an empty stomach later on
4. DTo reduce stomach acid so the food is digested better

A patient with gastroparesis has hypos soon after their meal-time insulin, then high glucose several hours later. What is the best explanation?

1. AThe insulin has gone off and needs replacing
2. BFood is absorbed slowly, so the insulin peaks before the glucose rises
3. CThe patient is secretly eating sweets between meals
4. DThe meter gives false results for several hours after every meal

After a stroke, a patient suddenly cries or laughs at odd moments. They say they do not feel sad. Which response is most appropriate?

1. AIgnore it, because it shows that the patient is seeking attention from the staff
2. BAsk the doctor for a sedative to stop the outbursts
3. CExplain that this is emotional lability after stroke and help the family understand
4. DTell the patient that crying will slow their recovery