Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Which drug is commonly used to slow the heart rate in atrial fibrillation?

1. AAmlodipine (a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker)
2. BBisoprolol (a beta-blocker)
3. CFurosemide (a loop diuretic)
4. DAtorvastatin (a statin)

What is the correct first aid for an adult with a nosebleed?

1. ALie flat on the back with the head turned to one side for an hour
2. BTilt the head back and pinch the bony bridge of the nose firmly
3. CBlow the nose hard to clear the clots
4. DSit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes

In which situation can a pulse oximeter show a falsely normal reading?

1. ACarbon monoxide poisoning
2. BA warm hand at rest
3. CBreathing room air
4. DA regular pulse of 80/min

Why should a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) never be used alone in asthma?

1. AIt always causes immediate severe bronchospasm when used on its own
2. BIt cannot be inhaled without a nebuliser
3. CWithout an inhaled steroid, it is linked with severe and fatal attacks
4. DIt works only when it is taken together with a course of antibiotics

A patient with angle-closure glaucoma needs nebulised ipratropium. What precaution is sensible?

1. AUse a mouthpiece or protect the eyes from the mist
2. BGive it only with the patient lying completely flat
3. CRun it at the highest possible gas flow
4. DMix it with an eye drop before putting it in the nebuliser

A patient's blood pressure is 200/125 mmHg with new confusion and blurred vision. How should it usually be lowered?

1. AWith titrated IV drugs, by up to about 25% in the first hour
2. BAs fast as possible, to a normal value within minutes
3. CWith a new oral tablet and review in a week
4. DNot at all, because the brain now depends on the high pressure

A nurse is reviewing four telemetry patients. Which rhythm needs attention first?

1. AFirst-degree heart block with a stable blood pressure and no symptoms
2. BRepeated runs of ventricular tachycardia in a patient who feels dizzy
3. CRate-controlled atrial fibrillation at 82/min
4. DSinus bradycardia of 54/min in a patient who is asleep and comfortable

Minutes after an IV antibiotic is started, a patient has wheeze, swollen lips, a rash and BP 78/44 mmHg. The infusion has been stopped and help called. What is the next priority?

1. AGive intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
2. BGive an oral antihistamine tablet and observe for an hour
3. CRestart the infusion at a slower rate
4. DGive a nebulised salbutamol dose only