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

Why does a patient with a kidney transplant need lifelong medicines?

1. ATo keep the blood pressure low enough
2. BTo help the new kidney make more urine each day
3. CTo prevent kidney stones in the new kidney
4. DTo stop the immune system rejecting the new kidney

What causes myasthenia gravis?

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

What is acromegaly?

1. AToo little growth hormone in a child
2. BToo much cortisol from the adrenal glands
3. CToo much growth hormone in an adult
4. DToo little thyroid hormone in an adult

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. AStart dialysis as soon as possible
2. BGive oral potassium supplements straight away
3. CInform the doctor and arrange an urgent repeat sample
4. DIgnore it, because haemolysis always gives a normal result

After a lumbar discectomy, which finding should the nurse report promptly?

1. AStiffness when getting out of bed
2. BNew weakness or numbness in the legs
3. CMild pain at the wound site
4. DA dry, intact wound dressing

A patient with gout has recurrent uric acid kidney stones. Which treatment helps prevent them?

1. AVitamin C supplements and a high-meat diet
2. BCalcium tablets and a low-fluid diet
3. CAllopurinol and making the urine less acidic
4. DRestricting fluids in the evening only

A haemodialysis patient asks why fluid between sessions must be limited. Which explanation is correct?

1. AExtra fluid weakens the fistula wall and makes it more likely to burst
2. BFluid restriction is mainly to shorten the time spent on the machine
3. CDrinking water makes the dialysis remove too much potassium from the blood
4. DExcess fluid builds up, raising BP and causing breathlessness and cramps on dialysis

A patient with raised intracranial pressure needs endotracheal suctioning. Which approach is most appropriate?

1. ASuction every 15 minutes as a routine, even without secretions
2. BLie the patient flat with the head turned during suctioning
3. CPre-oxygenate, keep each pass short and limit the number of passes
4. DSuction for at least 30 seconds to clear all secretions at once