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

Free printable Med-surg: neuro, endocrine & renal worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which nerve cells are damaged in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neurone disease)?

  1. AThe optic nerves and retina
  2. BSensory nerves in the skin only
  3. CUpper and lower motor neurons
  4. DThe nerves of the autonomic system only
2.Easy

Which side effect of metformin is most common?

  1. AA dry cough at night
  2. BNausea and diarrhoea
  3. CWeight gain and oedema
  4. DGum overgrowth and a rash
3.Easy

What is the normal range for total serum calcium in an adult?

  1. AAbout 1.0–1.5 mmol/L (4.0–6.0 mg/dL)
  2. BAbout 2.2–2.6 mmol/L (8.5–10.5 mg/dL)
  3. CAbout 0.7–1.0 mmol/L (2.8–4.0 mg/dL)
  4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mmol/L (14–20 mg/dL)
4.Medium

For which patient would the nurse question an order for pioglitazone?

  1. AA patient with asthma
  2. BA patient with an allergy to latex
  3. CA patient with heart failure
  4. DA patient with hypothyroidism
5.Medium

A patient has confirmed meningococcal meningitis. What is usually offered to their close household contacts?

  1. APreventive antibiotics
  2. BA full course of IV antibiotics in hospital
  3. CNo action unless they develop symptoms
  4. DA lumbar puncture to check for infection
6.Medium

A patient taking carbimazole for hyperthyroidism reports a sore throat and fever. What should the nurse do?

  1. ADouble the dose to bring the thyroid under control faster
  2. BArrange an urgent full blood count to look for agranulocytosis
  3. CAdvise salt-water gargles and continue the drug for a week
  4. DReassure the patient, as the drug has no serious blood side effects
7.Hard

A patient has erratic glucose readings. The nurse finds a soft, rubbery lump where they always inject. What is the most important teaching?

  1. AKeep injecting into the lump, because it hurts less there
  2. BDouble the insulin dose because the lump blocks the insulin
  3. CMassage the lump firmly after every injection
  4. DUse healthy sites and check glucose often, as less insulin may be needed
8.Hard

A patient with an external ventricular drain sat up in bed without help. The drain stayed at its old height, and the drainage bag filled quickly. The patient now has a headache. What is the concern?

  1. AAn infected drain, so the dressing should be removed
  2. BOverdrainage of CSF, so act per protocol and inform the team
  3. CNo concern, because more drainage always lowers the ICP safely
  4. DUnderdrainage, so the drain should be lowered further

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Upper and lower motor neurons
  2. 2. B · Nausea and diarrhoea
  3. 3. B · About 2.2–2.6 mmol/L (8.5–10.5 mg/dL)
  4. 4. C · A patient with heart failure
  5. 5. A · Preventive antibiotics
  6. 6. B · Arrange an urgent full blood count to look for agranulocytosis
  7. 7. D · Use healthy sites and check glucose often, as less insulin may be needed
  8. 8. B · Overdrainage of CSF, so act per protocol and inform the team

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