Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Free printable Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy

Which precautions are needed for a patient with suspected infectious pulmonary tuberculosis?

  1. AProtective isolation for the patient's own sake
  2. BContact precautions with gloves only
  3. CAirborne precautions with a respirator mask
  4. DStandard precautions only
2.Easy

Which two conditions are included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

  1. AAsthma and pneumonia
  2. BPulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis
  3. CBronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis
  4. DEmphysema and chronic bronchitis
3.Easy

A patient with heart failure says they need three pillows to breathe comfortably at night. What is this symptom called?

  1. ATachypnoea
  2. BHaemoptysis
  3. COrthopnoea
  4. DBradypnoea
4.Medium

Why is a non-selective beta-blocker such as propranolol usually avoided in a patient with asthma?

  1. AIt can cause bronchospasm by blocking beta-2 receptors
  2. BIt makes inhaled corticosteroids work too strongly
  3. CIt thickens airway mucus by drying the airways
  4. DIt raises the heart rate sharply during an acute asthma attack
5.Medium

How can a patient reduce wound pain when coughing after abdominal surgery?

  1. ALie flat on the back with the legs straight
  2. BHold a pillow firmly against the wound while coughing
  3. CAvoid coughing completely until all the stitches are removed
  4. DHold the breath for as long as possible
6.Medium

Unless fluids are restricted, why are patients with pneumonia encouraged to drink plenty?

  1. ATo make the cough completely stop
  2. BTo flush the bacteria out through the urine
  3. CTo prevent dehydration and keep secretions thinner
  4. DTo lower the temperature by diluting the blood plasma
7.Hard

Seconds after an intramuscular injection, a patient becomes pale, sweaty and faint, with a heart rate of 48/min. There is no rash, wheeze or swelling, and they recover quickly when laid flat. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AA myocardial infarction
  2. BAnaphylaxis
  3. CA vasovagal reaction
  4. DA tension pneumothorax
8.Hard

A patient regains a pulse after a ventricular fibrillation arrest that was probably caused by a heart attack. Which investigation is most urgent?

  1. ASpirometry
  2. BA lumbar puncture
  3. CAn abdominal ultrasound
  4. DA 12-lead ECG

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Airborne precautions with a respirator mask
  2. 2. D · Emphysema and chronic bronchitis
  3. 3. C · Orthopnoea
  4. 4. A · It can cause bronchospasm by blocking beta-2 receptors
  5. 5. B · Hold a pillow firmly against the wound while coughing
  6. 6. C · To prevent dehydration and keep secretions thinner
  7. 7. C · A vasovagal reaction
  8. 8. D · A 12-lead ECG

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