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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited cause of which lung disease?

  1. AEmphysema
  2. BPneumothorax
  3. CAsthma
  4. DLung cancer
2.Easy

Where should a chest drainage unit be kept?

  1. AUpright and below the level of the chest
  2. BHanging above the bed so it drains by suction
  3. CUpright and level with the patient's shoulder
  4. DOn its side under the bed to save space
3.Easy

What should patients starting rifampicin (rifampin) be told about their urine, sweat and tears?

  1. AThey may turn green, which means infection
  2. BThey will become completely colourless
  3. CThey may turn orange-red, which is harmless
  4. DThey may turn black, which means bleeding
4.Medium

During airway suctioning, when should suction be applied?

  1. AContinuously for at least 30 seconds
  2. BOnly while withdrawing the catheter
  3. CBefore the catheter enters the airway
  4. DOnly while inserting the catheter
5.Medium

Which combination of drug classes improves survival in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?

  1. AACE inhibitor or ARNI, beta-blocker, MRA and SGLT2 inhibitor
  2. BAn NSAID, aspirin, a statin and a thiazide diuretic
  3. CLoop diuretic, digoxin, nitrate and a calcium channel blocker
  4. DA loop diuretic alone at the highest tolerated dose
6.Medium

Why are nitrates used with great caution in right ventricular infarction?

  1. ANitrates are not absorbed when the right ventricle is affected
  2. BThe right ventricle depends on preload, so BP can fall sharply
  3. CNitrates cause dangerous hyperkalaemia in this type of infarct
  4. DNitrates make the infarct spread into the left ventricle
7.Hard

A patient with pneumonia has a heart rate of 118/min, BP 86/50 mmHg, RR 28/min and a high lactate. Sepsis is recognised. Which action should not be delayed?

  1. AGive oral antibiotics and reassess the next day
  2. BWait for the sputum culture result before choosing an antibiotic
  3. CTake blood cultures and give IV antibiotics within the first hour
  4. DDelay fluids until a chest X-ray has been reported
8.Hard

A nurse is planning care for four patients. Which patient should be assessed first?

  1. AA patient with a venous ulcer due for a dressing change
  2. BA patient with COPD whose SpO₂ fell from 90% to 83% with new drowsiness
  3. CA patient with stable heart failure waiting for the daily weight
  4. DA patient with controlled hypertension asking about salt

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Emphysema
  2. 2. A · Upright and below the level of the chest
  3. 3. C · They may turn orange-red, which is harmless
  4. 4. B · Only while withdrawing the catheter
  5. 5. A · ACE inhibitor or ARNI, beta-blocker, MRA and SGLT2 inhibitor
  6. 6. B · The right ventricle depends on preload, so BP can fall sharply
  7. 7. C · Take blood cultures and give IV antibiotics within the first hour
  8. 8. B · A patient with COPD whose SpO₂ fell from 90% to 83% with new drowsiness

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