Management of Minor Ailments | Mock Test | Staff Nurse | Guides Academy

Management of minor ailments.

Time: 15:00

A key characteristic of a minor ailment that allows for initial management by a nurse is that it is typically:

[a] A symptom of a serious underlying chronic disease.

[b] Associated with a very high fever and severe pain.

[c] Self-limiting and does not significantly interfere with daily activities.

[d] Always requires a prescription medication for treatment.

A mother calls a clinic about her 4-year-old child who has a fever. Which of the following "red flag" symptoms would require the nurse to advise immediate referral to a physician?

[a] The child is irritable and has a runny nose.

[b] The child has a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C).

[c] The child has a decreased appetite.

[d] The child has a stiff neck and a non-blanching rash.

What is the most appropriate initial nursing advice for an otherwise healthy adult with a common cold?

[a] To request a prescription for antibiotics to prevent pneumonia.

[b] To get adequate rest, increase fluid intake, and use saline nasal sprays.

[c] To take leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.

[d] To stop all fluid intake to dry up the nasal secretions.

What is the first-line management for simple, uncomplicated acute diarrhea in an adult?

[a] Immediately taking an anti-diarrheal medication to stop the symptoms.

[b] Consuming a diet high in fiber and dairy products.

[c] Restricting all fluids for 24 hours.

[d] Maintaining adequate hydration with clear fluids or an oral rehydration solution (ORS).

A client presents with a minor ankle sprain. The nurse should recommend the RICE mnemonic, which stands for:

[a] Rewarm, Inject, Compress, Exercise

[b] Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

[c] Run, Isolate, Call, Examine

[d] Rest, Ibuprofen, Circulation, Examine

What is the initial first-aid step for a minor thermal burn (e.g., from touching a hot stove)?

[a] Apply ice directly to the burn to reduce pain.

[b] Apply butter or oil to soothe the skin.

[c] Immediately cover the burn with a tight, dry bandage.

[d] Run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for at least 10 minutes.

A client complains of recent onset constipation. What is the best initial non-pharmacological advice a nurse can provide?

[a] Suggest taking a strong stimulant laxative immediately.

[b] Recommend a low-fiber diet to rest the bowel.

[c] Advise increasing dietary fiber intake, fluid consumption, and physical activity.

[d] Instruct the client to ignore the urge to defecate until it becomes stronger.

What is the primary role of a nurse in the management of minor ailments?

[a] To prescribe medication for all conditions.

[b] To recommend a specific brand of over-the-counter medication.

[c] To diagnose complex medical conditions.

[d] To assess the condition, provide health education, and recognize when to refer to a physician.

A client reports a tension headache. Which finding would be a "red flag" symptom requiring immediate referral?

[a] The headache is described as a "dull ache" across the forehead.

[b] The client has had similar headaches in the past during stressful times.

[c] The headache is sudden, severe, and accompanied by confusion or weakness.

[d] The headache is relieved by a mild analgesic like paracetamol.

What is the correct first-aid advice for a simple anterior nosebleed (epistaxis)?

[a] Tilt the head back and lie down.

[b] Pack the nostril tightly with cotton wool.

[c] Have the person sit up, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose.

[d] Apply a warm compress to the bridge of the nose.

What is the most effective way to manage a simple, itchy insect bite from a mosquito?

[a] Squeeze the bite to remove any venom.

[b] Apply heat to the affected area.

[c] Vigorously scratch the bite to relieve the itch.

[d] Clean the area, apply a cold compress, and use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.

A client has a productive, "chesty" cough following a cold. What type of over-the-counter preparation would be most appropriate?

[a] An antitussive (cough suppressant)

[b] An antibiotic

[c] A decongestant

[d] An expectorant

A key piece of nursing advice for preventing and managing simple diaper rash is:

[a] To use tight-fitting plastic pants over the diaper.

[b] To clean the area with alcohol-based wipes.

[c] To leave a wet diaper on for longer periods to avoid irritation from changing.

[d] To change diapers frequently, allow for air-drying time, and apply a barrier cream.

A client with a simple sore throat, but no fever or other systemic symptoms, can be advised to:

[a] See a doctor immediately for a strep test.

[b] Use saltwater gargles, drink warm fluids, and use soothing lozenges.

[c] Rest their voice completely and avoid speaking for 24 hours.

[d] Take an antihistamine to reduce inflammation.

When should a nurse advise a client with a minor ailment to consult a physician?

[a] As soon as any symptom appears.

[b] Only if the symptom lasts for more than two weeks.

[c] If the symptoms worsen, do not improve after a few days, or if red flag symptoms develop.

[d] The nurse should never advise consulting a physician for a minor ailment.

The initial management for a minor, clean skin abrasion is to:

[a] Apply an antibiotic ointment immediately without cleaning.

[b] Cover it with a large, non-stick dressing.

[c] Let it air dry without any intervention.

[d] Gently clean the area with soap and water, then apply a simple adhesive bandage.

A client complains of heartburn after eating spicy food. Appropriate lifestyle advice from the nurse would be:

[a] To lie down immediately after every meal.

[b] To drink a large glass of milk with every meal.

[c] To identify and avoid trigger foods and eat smaller meals.

[d] To take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) daily without consulting a doctor.

A student has suspected viral conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). The most important health education the school nurse can provide is:

[a] To wear sunglasses indoors.

[b] To practice strict hand hygiene and avoid sharing towels or pillows.

[c] To use over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops.

[d] To keep the affected eye covered with a patch.

An adult has a cough that has persisted for 4 weeks. Why is this a reason for referral to a physician?

[a] All coughs require antibiotics.

[b] It is impossible to manage a cough for that long at home.

[c] A persistent cough can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

[d] Over-the-counter medications are ineffective after 4 weeks.

The most important part of patient education regarding minor ailments is teaching the patient:

[a] The chemical composition of over-the-counter drugs.

[b] How to perform a self-diagnosis of complex conditions.

[c] Which brand names of medications are best.

[d] How to recognize "red flag" symptoms that indicate a need for medical attention.

When assessing a client with a minor ailment, it is crucial for the nurse to ask about:

[a] The client's health insurance status.

[b] The client's occupation and salary.

[c] Any allergies and other medications being taken, including herbal supplements.

[d] The health status of the client's distant relatives.

A client is complaining of mouth ulcers. Which finding would prompt the nurse to refer them to a doctor or dentist?

[a] The ulcer is small and slightly painful.

[b] The client has had similar ulcers before that healed on their own.

[c] An ulcer has persisted for more than three weeks without healing.

[d] The client bit their cheek, causing the ulcer.

What is a simple, non-pharmacological way to manage a low-grade fever in an otherwise well child?

[a] Giving the child a cold water bath.

[b] Wrapping the child in heavy blankets to "sweat it out."

[c] Ensuring adequate fluid intake and dressing the child in light clothing.

[d] Administering adult-strength aspirin.

The primary goal in managing a mild sunburn is to:

[a] Pop any blisters that form to speed up healing.

[b] Soothe the skin, relieve pain, and prevent further sun exposure.

[c] Apply a topical anesthetic cream to the entire area.

[d] Scrub the area to remove the peeling skin.

A client asks for advice on managing nausea. A simple dietary recommendation a nurse can make is:

[a] To eat large, infrequent meals to rest the stomach.

[b] To consume greasy or spicy foods.

[c] To drink large amounts of milk or citrus juice.

[d] To try eating small, frequent meals of bland food like crackers or toast.