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

Why is it important to record when a stroke patient was last known to be well?

1. APatients seen after one hour cannot be admitted to a stroke unit
2. BThe time decides which side of the brain is affected
3. CThe time is needed to calculate the patient's GCS score
4. DTreatments such as thrombolysis depend on the time since onset

Which symptoms are typical of diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

1. AA painful red, hot swollen big toe at night
2. BPain in the calves that starts when walking
3. CMorning stiffness of the small hand joints
4. DNumbness, tingling or burning in the feet

What is acromegaly?

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

Which complication is a particular risk in nephrotic syndrome?

1. ABleeding from low platelets
2. BHypoglycaemia
3. CLow cholesterol
4. DVenous thrombosis

Why does a patient with untreated hypothyroidism need extra care when given opioids or sedatives?

1. AThey clear the drugs too fast, so higher doses are needed
2. BThere is no difference compared with other patients
3. CThey break the drugs down slowly and are more sensitive to them
4. DThese drugs make the thyroid gland overactive

A patient with advanced CKD asks how to manage indigestion. Which option should they avoid?

1. AEating smaller, more frequent meals
2. BRaising the head of the bed at night
3. CAvoiding large meals late in the evening
4. DMagnesium-containing antacids

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

1. AA patient with hypothyroidism asking when to take levothyroxine
2. BA patient on insulin for DKA whose potassium is now 2.9 mmol/L
3. CA patient with stable CKD waiting for a renal diet review
4. DA patient with Parkinson's disease whose next dose is due in two hours

Two days after a C5 spinal cord injury, a patient is anxious, with a respiratory rate of 30/min and a falling vital capacity. What should the nurse do?

1. ALie the patient flat with the head tilted back to open the airway
2. BEscalate urgently: cord oedema may cause respiratory failure
3. CGive a sedative to slow the breathing and ease the anxiety
4. DRecheck the vital capacity again in about 12 hours