Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

What is atelectasis?

1. AFluid in the space around the lung
2. BNarrowing of the airways caused by spasm of smooth muscle
3. CCollapse of part of the lung so the alveoli contain no air
4. DInfection of the lung tissue causing the alveoli to fill with pus

Which intervention most effectively slows the progression of COPD in a smoker?

1. ALong-term oral antibiotics
2. BLong-term home oxygen
3. CDaily oral corticosteroids
4. DStopping smoking

Which group of symptoms suggests obstructive sleep apnoea?

1. AWheeze, cough and itchy eyes that come on after exercise
2. BFever, cough and rust-coloured sputum
3. CLoud snoring, pauses in breathing and daytime sleepiness
4. DNight sweats, weight loss and a cough lasting several weeks

A patient's capillary refill time at the fingertip is 4 seconds. What does this suggest?

1. AAn unusually strong cardiac output
2. BNormal peripheral perfusion
3. CReduced peripheral perfusion
4. DA high haemoglobin level

Why are patients with mitral stenosis at high risk of atrial fibrillation?

1. AThe right ventricle shrinks and stops contracting properly over time
2. BThe coronary arteries become blocked by the valve
3. CThe left atrium enlarges as it pushes blood through the narrow valve
4. DThe narrow valve presses on the sinus node and slows it down directly

Which advice helps prevent DVT during a long flight or after surgery?

1. ADrink less to avoid getting up to the toilet
2. BWear tight elastic bands just below the knee
3. CSit with the legs crossed for comfort
4. DDo regular ankle exercises and drink enough fluid

A nurse receives handover on four patients. Which patient should be seen first?

1. AA patient with asthma who wants a reliever inhaler before a walk
2. BA patient on day 1 after surgery who is newly restless, RR 30/min, SpO₂ 88% on 4 L/min
3. CA patient with COPD on 1 L/min whose SpO₂ has been 89% and stable throughout the night
4. DA patient with pneumonia on IV antibiotics who now has a temperature of 38.2 °C

A patient with severe sepsis becomes increasingly breathless over 24 hours. SpO₂ stays low despite high-flow oxygen, and the chest X-ray shows bilateral infiltrates. The heart function is normal. Which condition is most likely?

1. AAcute respiratory distress syndrome
2. BAn acute asthma attack
3. CAcute left ventricular failure after an MI
4. DSpontaneous pneumothorax