Nursing fundamentals worksheet with answers

Why is regular mouth care important for patients who are nil by mouth?

1. AIt prevents a dry mouth and reduces the risk of infection
2. BIt replaces the need for fluids
3. CIt is only needed for patients with dentures or gum disease
4. DIt helps them to swallow tablets

What are passive range-of-motion exercises?

1. AThe patient moves their own joints through their full range without any help
2. BThe patient walks a set distance each day
3. CThe nurse moves the patient's joints without the patient's effort
4. DThe patient lifts weights to build muscle strength

What are black, sticky, tar-like stools called?

1. AMelaena
2. BConstipation
3. CHaematuria
4. DSteatorrhoea

What is medicines reconciliation on admission?

1. ACounting the tablets in the ward drug trolley at the start of each shift
2. BGetting an accurate list of the medicines taken before admission
3. COrdering new stock from the pharmacy
4. DChanging all the patient's medicines to hospital brands

Why should enteric-coated tablets not be crushed?

1. ACrushing makes the dose roughly twice as strong as the whole tablet
2. BCrushing removes the coating that protects the stomach or drug
3. CCrushing makes the drug inactive in water
4. DCrushing makes the tablet taste so bitter that patients refuse it

Why is a patient with a suspected spinal injury moved by log-rolling?

1. AIt is the fastest way to turn any patient, whatever their condition
2. BIt reduces the number of staff needed
3. CIt keeps the head, neck and spine aligned as one unit
4. DIt lets the patient help with the turn

A postoperative wound drain that had drained little suddenly fills with bright red blood. What should the nurse do?

1. AEmpty the drain and record it at the next routine round
2. BRemove the drain because it is not working
3. CCheck the patient's vital signs and report it urgently
4. DClamp the drain and tell no one

According to the gate control theory, why can rubbing a bumped elbow ease the pain?

1. ARubbing makes the elbow numb by stopping its blood supply
2. BTouch signals reduce pain signals passing up the spinal cord
3. CRubbing removes the damaged tissue from the elbow
4. DRubbing increases the release of pain chemicals so the nerves tire out