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

How is the pain of renal colic typically described?

1. ASevere pain that comes in waves from the loin to the groin
2. BPain in the right lower abdomen that started near the navel
3. CA dull ache in the lower back after lifting
4. DBurning pain in the chest after meals

Which feature best distinguishes delirium from dementia?

1. AGetting lost in places that were familiar
2. BA sudden onset with attention that comes and goes
3. CDifficulty finding the right words
4. DMemory problems in a person over the age of 75

Which group of features is typical of Parkinson's disease?

1. AIntention tremor, muscle wasting and twitching under the skin
2. BWeakness rising from the feet, with tingling and lost reflexes
3. CDrooping eyelids and double vision that get worse later in the day
4. DResting tremor, rigidity and slow movement

A routine blood test shows a potassium of 6.4 mmol/L. The lab reports that the sample was haemolysed. The patient feels well. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive oral potassium supplements straight away
2. BStart dialysis as soon as possible
3. CIgnore it, because haemolysis always gives a normal result
4. DInform the doctor and arrange an urgent repeat sample

Which CSF result is most typical of bacterial meningitis?

1. AClear fluid, many lymphocytes, normal glucose and slightly raised protein
2. BClear fluid with normal cells, glucose and protein
3. CCloudy fluid, many neutrophils, low glucose and high protein
4. DBlood-stained fluid that clears in later tubes

When the nurse squeezes the trapezius muscle, the patient brings a hand up above the collarbone towards the stimulus. Which GCS motor score is this?

1. A4, withdraws from pain
2. B6, obeys commands
3. C5, localises to pain
4. D3, abnormal flexion

A seizure has lasted 12 minutes. Two doses of benzodiazepine have been given, and the seizure continues. Airway and oxygen are managed. What is the next step in common protocols?

1. AWaiting another 30 minutes to see whether the seizure stops
2. BGiving oral antiseizure tablets once the patient can swallow
3. CA second-line IV drug such as levetiracetam or phenytoin
4. DA third and fourth dose of benzodiazepine every two minutes

A patient with an insulin pump is admitted with nausea, a glucose of 19 mmol/L (342 mg/dL) and blood ketones of 3.1 mmol/L. What is the priority?

1. AGive an antiemetic only, because nausea is causing the high glucose
2. BDisconnect the pump and give no insulin until the ketones clear
3. CSuspect failed insulin delivery and give insulin by another route
4. DIncrease the pump rate and recheck the ketones in 12 hours