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 3.5–5.0 mmol/L
3. CAbout 6.0–7.5 mmol/L
4. DAbout 135–145 mmol/L

What is the most common cause of intrinsic (renal) acute kidney injury in hospital?

1. AKidney stones
2. BAn enlarged prostate
3. CAcute tubular necrosis
4. DPolycystic kidney disease

Which group of symptoms is typical of hypothyroidism?

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

A patient is due a rapid-acting insulin dose before lunch, but the meal trays are delayed. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive the insulin now and the meal when it comes
2. BGive the insulin with a glass of water instead
3. CWait to give the insulin until the meal arrives
4. DOmit the dose entirely for the rest of the day

A seizure has lasted five minutes and is continuing. What is the usual first-line drug treatment?

1. AIV glucose 50% in every patient, then reassess
2. BIM adrenaline into the outer thigh
3. CA benzodiazepine such as IV lorazepam or buccal midazolam
4. DAn IV loading dose of phenytoin before anything else

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

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

A patient taking digoxin has a potassium of 2.9 mmol/L. Why is this especially dangerous?

1. ALow potassium increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
2. BLow potassium makes digoxin leave the body faster
3. CDigoxin raises the potassium to dangerous levels
4. DDigoxin stops working when potassium is low

The nurse has four urology patients. Which one needs to be seen first?

1. AA patient with a suprapubic catheter due for a routine change
2. BA patient with stress incontinence asking about pelvic floor exercises
3. CA patient with a nephrostomy who has rigors and a BP of 86/50 mmHg
4. DA patient after TURP with light pink drainage and mild discomfort