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

What is a positive Kernig's sign?

1. ATwitching of the facial muscles when the cheek is tapped in front of the ear
2. BBruising behind the ear after a head injury
3. CBending of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed
4. DPain and resistance when the knee is straightened with the hip flexed

Which group of symptoms is typical of hypothyroidism?

1. ADiarrhoea, anxiety, sweating and bulging eyes
2. BHeat intolerance, weight loss, a fine tremor and palpitations
3. CCold intolerance, tiredness, weight gain and constipation
4. DGreat thirst and passing large volumes of urine

Which picture is typical of Guillain–Barré syndrome?

1. AA sudden one-sided facial droop with slurred speech
2. BMuscle weakness that worsens late in the day and improves with rest
3. CRising weakness from the legs, weeks after an infection
4. DA resting tremor that slowly spreads to the other hand

Where is the zero point of an external ventricular drain usually levelled?

1. AAt the level of the umbilicus
2. BAt the tragus of the ear
3. CAt the mid-axillary line of the chest
4. DAt the top of the head

A man starts tamsulosin for BPH. Which teaching point is most important?

1. AStop it if the urine stream improves
2. BExpect the drug to shrink the prostate within a day
3. CTake it with grapefruit juice to make it work better
4. DStand up slowly, because it can make you dizzy

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

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

A kidney transplant recipient has had vomiting and diarrhoea for two days. Why should the transplant team be contacted?

1. AThe kidney will start to produce far too much urine
2. BThe patient may not be absorbing their immunosuppressants
3. CVomiting proves that rejection has already happened
4. DThe tablets will make the vomiting stop

Two days after a spinal cord injury, a patient has a swollen abdomen, no bowel sounds and is vomiting. What is most likely, and what is the nursing action?

1. ANormal constipation, so give a large meal to stimulate the bowel
2. BA full bladder, so encourage oral fluids
3. CAn allergic reaction to food, so give an antihistamine
4. DParalytic ileus, so keep nil by mouth and prepare for an NG tube