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

Which cranial nerves are mainly involved in the gag reflex?

1. AOlfactory (I) and optic (II)
2. BGlossopharyngeal (IX) and vagus (X)
3. CTrigeminal (V) and facial (VII)
4. DOculomotor (III) and abducens (VI)

Which symptoms in a patient with back pain suggest cauda equina syndrome?

1. AMild stiffness in the morning that soon wears off
2. BNumbness between the legs and new bladder problems
3. CPain that is worse after a long day at work
4. DBack pain that eases when walking around the house

What is the main effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

1. AIt lowers blood glucose
2. BIt raises blood sodium
3. CIt raises blood calcium
4. DIt lowers blood potassium

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

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

Which statement about the PSA blood test is correct?

1. AIt is only raised in women with bladder cancer
2. BIt can be raised by benign problems as well as by cancer
3. CA raised result always means prostate cancer
4. DA normal result always rules out any prostate cancer

Why is IV calcium gluconate given in severe hyperkalaemia?

1. AIt removes potassium through the kidneys
2. BIt protects the heart from arrhythmias
3. CIt moves potassium into the cells
4. DIt binds potassium in the gut

A patient who had pituitary surgery has fatigue and feels cold. TSH is low, and free T4 is low. What is the most likely cause?

1. APrimary hypothyroidism from thyroid failure
2. BHyperthyroidism from Graves' disease
3. COver-replacement with levothyroxine
4. DSecondary hypothyroidism

A patient with polycystic kidney disease suddenly has the worst headache of their life and neck stiffness. What should the nurse suspect?

1. AA subarachnoid haemorrhage from a brain aneurysm
2. BA urinary infection that has spread
3. CA migraine linked to high blood pressure
4. DPain spreading upwards from a kidney cyst