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

Which side effect of metformin is most common?

1. ANausea and diarrhoea
2. BGum overgrowth and a rash
3. CA dry cough at night
4. DWeight gain and oedema

Which group of symptoms is classic for meningitis?

1. AFlank pain, fever and painful urination
2. BJoint pain, rash on the cheeks and hair loss
3. CChest pain, cough and wheeze
4. DFever, headache and neck stiffness

Which electrolyte disturbance is a dangerous complication of kidney failure?

1. AHypercalcaemia
2. BHypernatraemia
3. CHypokalaemia
4. DHyperkalaemia

Why might a patient taking a beta-blocker not notice a hypoglycaemic episode?

1. ABeta-blockers make the patient sleep through every hypo
2. BBeta-blockers raise blood glucose, so hypos cannot happen
3. CBeta-blockers can mask the tremor and racing heart of a hypo
4. DBeta-blockers block the effect of all diabetes medicines

Which nursing care is most important for a patient with diabetes insipidus?

1. AWeighing the patient once a month
2. BStrict fluid balance, daily weight and free access to water
3. CA strict fluid restriction to reduce the amount of urine passed
4. DGiving a loop diuretic to clear extra fluid

A week after thyroid surgery, a patient's voice is still hoarse and weak. Which complication is most likely?

1. ALow calcium from parathyroid injury
2. BAn allergic reaction to the adhesive dressing tape
3. CA thyroid storm caused by surgery
4. DDamage to a recurrent laryngeal nerve

A patient with stable epilepsy on phenytoin started a new medicine last week. They now have nystagmus, an unsteady gait and slurred speech. What should the nurse do?

1. ASuspect phenytoin toxicity, hold the next dose and ask for a drug level
2. BGive the next phenytoin dose early to prevent a seizure
3. CSuspect a new stroke and give aspirin straight away before any scan
4. DEncourage the patient to walk more to improve their balance

A patient on a variable rate IV insulin infusion is nil by mouth. Why is a glucose-containing IV fluid usually given alongside it?

1. ATo replace the potassium lost from the cells
2. BTo speed up the action of the insulin in the muscles
3. CTo stop the insulin sticking to the IV tubing
4. DTo prevent hypoglycaemia while insulin is running