Nursing fundamentals worksheet with answers

What is a wheeze?

1. AA low rattling sound caused by fluid in the throat
2. BA harsh sound heard only when breathing in through the nose
3. CA crackling sound heard over the heart
4. DA high-pitched whistling sound caused by narrowed airways

Why is a tourniquet used when taking blood from a vein?

1. AIt sterilises the skin over the vein
2. BIt prevents bruising after the test
3. CIt stops the patient feeling the needle
4. DIt makes the veins fill and easier to find

Which body temperature is within the normal range for an adult?

1. A36.8 °C
2. B38.4 °C
3. C34.6 °C
4. D39.2 °C

A nurse posts about an "interesting patient" on social media without naming them. Why is this a problem?

1. AIt is not a problem if the account is private
2. BIt is not a problem because no name was given
3. CIt is only a problem if the post also includes a photograph of the patient
4. DThe patient may still be identifiable, which breaches confidentiality

Which early warning sign often appears first when a patient's condition worsens?

1. ALower heart rate
2. BImproving appetite
3. CA rising respiratory rate
4. DA falling body temperature

An IV cannula site is swollen, cool and pale, and the infusion has slowed. What should the nurse do first?

1. AStop the infusion and remove the cannula
2. BIncrease the infusion rate to clear the blockage
3. CFlush the cannula hard with saline
4. DApply a warm pack and keep the infusion running

On the day after surgery, a patient's new stoma has turned dark purple. What should the nurse do?

1. AClean it firmly to remove the colour
2. BWait a week to see whether it changes
3. CRecord it as normal bruising after surgery and recheck tomorrow
4. DReport it urgently, as the stoma may be losing its blood supply

An older patient two days after surgery suddenly becomes confused and agitated at night. What is the priority?

1. AAssume it is new dementia and plan a care home move
2. BGive a sedative and recheck in the morning
3. CLook for and treat underlying causes such as infection, pain, retention, constipation or medication
4. DRestrain the patient to the bed