Nursing fundamentals worksheet with answers

What does "nocturia" mean?

1. APassing urine only in the morning
2. BBeing unable to sleep because of pain
3. CWaking at night to pass urine
4. DBedwetting in young children only

Which position is commonly used for giving an enema?

1. ALeft side-lying (Sims') position
2. BRight side-lying position with both knees bent
3. CProne position
4. DHigh Fowler's position

What is the normal range for serum sodium in adults?

1. A135–145 mmol/L
2. B3.5–5.0 mmol/L
3. C95–105 mmol/L
4. D2.2–2.6 mmol/L

A patient is getting up for the first time after several days in bed. What should the nurse do first?

1. AGive the patient a large drink of water while standing
2. BAsk the patient to walk to the bathroom alone
3. CHelp the patient stand up quickly, so that the dizziness has less time to start
4. DHave the patient sit on the edge of the bed for a short time before standing

Which patient is at greatest risk of injury from a heat pack?

1. AA patient with reduced sensation from diabetic neuropathy
2. BA patient with period pain
3. CA patient with a sore lower back after gardening
4. DA young adult with a stiff neck after sleeping in an awkward position

Why is nail varnish or false nails often removed before surgery?

1. AThey can affect pulse oximetry and checking skin colour
2. BThey are a common cause of wound infection
3. CThey make the anaesthetic work less well
4. DThey can catch fire from the electrical equipment used in theatre

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales), which of these is part of the test of whether a person can make a decision?

1. AWhether they are over 65 years old
2. BWhether they can understand, retain and weigh the information and communicate a decision
3. CWhether the decision they make agrees with the advice given by the doctor and the care team
4. DWhether they have a diagnosis of dementia

A patient's potassium result is 6.8 mmol/L (6.8 mEq/L). Why is this urgent?

1. AIt is normal for patients after surgery
2. BIt means the patient urgently needs more potassium
3. CHigh potassium causes only mild muscle cramps that settle without treatment
4. DVery high potassium can cause life-threatening heart arrhythmias