1.Easy
What is a haematoma?
- AA thickened area of scar tissue
- BA collection of clear fluid in a blister
- CA collection of blood in the tissues
- DA collection of pus under the skin
2.Easy
What should you do with a used needle after an injection?
- APut it straight into a sharps container without recapping
- BLeave it on the tray and dispose of it once the procedure is over
- CRecap it carefully with both hands
- DPut it in the general waste bin
3.Easy
What does "orthopnoea" mean?
- ABreathing that stops for short periods during sleep
- BBreathlessness that only starts after heavy exercise
- CBreathlessness when lying flat that eases on sitting up
- DA breathing rate that is slower than normal
4.Medium
A patient refuses their regular evening tablets. What should the nurse do first?
- AHide the tablets in their food
- BExplore the reason for refusing
- CThrow the tablets away without telling anyone
- DInsist until the patient takes them
5.Medium
What is the most reliable way to check that a nasogastric tube is in the stomach before use?
- APlacing the end of the tube in water to look for bubbles
- BTesting aspirate pH, with a chest X-ray if needed
- CAsking the patient whether it feels right
- DListening for a "whoosh" after injecting air
6.Medium
Which measures help prevent constipation in hospital patients?
- AAdequate fluids, dietary fibre and mobility
- BAvoiding fruit and vegetables
- CLimiting fluids and staying in bed to rest the bowel
- DHolding in the urge to open the bowels
7.Hard
A nurse realises that a dose of analgesia given two hours ago was not documented. What is correct?
- ALeave it out, as it is now too late to record it in the notes
- BWrite it in the space for two hours ago as if it was recorded then
- CWrite it now as a late entry, stating when it was given
- DAsk a colleague to sign that they gave it
8.Hard
A patient needs a painful dressing change. When is it best to give the prescribed oral analgesic?
- AEarly enough before the procedure for it to reach its peak effect
- BOnly if the patient shows signs of pain or cries out during the procedure
- CImmediately after the dressing change
- DThe same time the next day
Answer key
- 1. C · A collection of blood in the tissues
- 2. A · Put it straight into a sharps container without recapping
- 3. C · Breathlessness when lying flat that eases on sitting up
- 4. B · Explore the reason for refusing
- 5. B · Testing aspirate pH, with a chest X-ray if needed
- 6. A · Adequate fluids, dietary fibre and mobility
- 7. C · Write it now as a late entry, stating when it was given
- 8. A · Early enough before the procedure for it to reach its peak effect
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