Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

In pericarditis, which structure is inflamed?

1. AThe inner lining of the heart chambers
2. BThe sac that surrounds the heart
3. CThe heart muscle itself
4. DThe coronary arteries

Where in the kidney does furosemide mainly act?

1. AThe renal artery
2. BThe loop of Henle
3. CThe collecting duct only
4. DThe glomerulus

Which chest X-ray finding is classic for sarcoidosis?

1. AA completely white lung on one side
2. BA single round mass in one apex
3. CEnlarged lymph nodes at both lung hila
4. DA visible edge of collapsed lung

A patient with heart failure takes furosemide once a day. When is the best time to take it?

1. AAt bedtime, so the effect lasts through the night
2. BWhenever the ankles look swollen, on those days only
3. CJust before the evening meal, with a large drink
4. DIn the morning, to avoid needing the toilet at night

Why is a raised serum lactate concerning in a patient with shock?

1. AIt shows only that the patient has eaten a large meal in the past hour
2. BIt means the kidneys are working harder than normal to clear fluid
3. CIt confirms a bacterial infection is present
4. DIt suggests tissues are short of oxygen and using anaerobic metabolism

Why must anti-embolism stockings be measured and fitted correctly?

1. APoorly fitting stockings can cause pressure damage
2. BCorrect fit is needed only to improve the appearance
3. CLoose stockings make the patient's legs too warm at night
4. DTight stockings work better, so the smallest size is always best

A conscious adult in the dining room is suddenly unable to speak, cough or breathe after a mouthful of food. What should the nurse do first?

1. ASweep blindly in the mouth with a finger
2. BEncourage them to drink a glass of water to wash the food down
3. CLie them down on the floor and start chest compressions immediately
4. DUp to five back blows, then up to five abdominal thrusts if needed

On day 6 of a heparin infusion, the platelet count has fallen by more than half and the patient has a new swollen arm. What should the nurse anticipate?

1. ASwitching to LMWH because it is a different drug
2. BStopping all heparin and starting a non-heparin anticoagulant
3. CContinuing the heparin and giving a platelet transfusion
4. DStopping all anticoagulation for two weeks