Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

What is pitting oedema?

1. AA small sore that forms on the shin
2. BSwelling that keeps a dent for a while after firm pressure
3. CRedness of the skin that turns white when it is pressed
4. DSwelling that is hard and does not dent at all when pressed

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

1. AAirborne precautions with a respirator mask
2. BContact precautions with gloves only
3. CStandard precautions only
4. DProtective isolation for the patient's own sake

Why should a patient rinse their mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid?

1. ATo prevent a tremor from the drug
2. BTo make the drug act more quickly
3. CTo reduce oral thrush and hoarseness
4. DTo wash the drug down into the lungs

Analysis of a pleural effusion shows it is an exudate (high protein and LDH compared with blood). Which cause is most likely?

1. ANephrotic syndrome with protein lost in urine
2. BLiver cirrhosis with a low albumin
3. CPneumonia or cancer affecting the pleura
4. DHeart failure with raised venous pressure

A patient is going home with a 24-hour Holter monitor. Which instruction is most important?

1. AStay in bed for the full 24 hours so the trace is clear
2. BKeep a diary of symptoms and activities with the times
3. CRemove the monitor whenever symptoms occur and restart it
4. DShower as normal with the monitor on

A patient has chest pain at rest in the early morning with brief ST elevation that resolves. Coronary arteries are later found to be clear. Which condition is most likely?

1. AVasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina
2. BStable exertional angina from a fixed plaque
3. CAortic stenosis
4. DAcute pericarditis

A 28-year-old woman taking the combined pill comes in breathless and anxious. RR is 30/min, heart rate 118/min and SpO₂ 90% on air. A colleague says it is a panic attack. What should the nurse conclude?

1. AShe should be sent home after a sedative
2. BLow oxygen saturation is not explained by anxiety; PE must be excluded
3. CBreathing into a paper bag is the best first treatment for her
4. DThe saturation is normal for an anxious person who is breathing fast

Three hours after femoral cardiac catheterisation, a patient has new lower back and flank pain, a heart rate of 112/min and BP 92/60 mmHg. The groin looks normal. What should the nurse suspect?

1. ANormal back ache from lying flat
2. BAn allergic reaction to the contrast
3. CRetroperitoneal bleeding
4. DA urinary tract infection