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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Where are AED pads usually placed on an adult?

  1. AOn each upper arm
  2. BBoth pads on the abdomen, just below the ribs on either side
  3. CBelow the right collarbone and on the left side below the armpit
  4. DBoth pads on the back, side by side between the shoulder blades
2.Easy

What is Kussmaul breathing?

  1. ABreathing that alternates between deep breaths and pauses
  2. BVery slow, shallow breathing from opioids
  3. CDeep, rapid breathing in response to metabolic acidosis
  4. DNoisy breathing caused by a blocked upper airway
3.Easy

What does "pleuritic" chest pain mean?

  1. ASharp pain that worsens on breathing in or coughing
  2. BAching that is worse when the arm is moved
  3. CDull pressure that spreads to the jaw on exertion
  4. DBurning pain behind the breastbone after meals
4.Medium

What is the main difference between CPAP and bilevel NIV (often called BiPAP)?

  1. ACPAP is given only through a tracheostomy
  2. BBilevel NIV adds a higher inspiratory pressure, helping remove CO₂
  3. CCPAP is mainly used to lower a raised PaCO₂ in COPD exacerbations
  4. DBilevel NIV gives oxygen only, without any positive airway pressure
5.Medium

A 34-year-old has hypertension that is hard to control and a low serum potassium without taking diuretics. Which cause should be considered?

  1. APrimary hyperaldosteronism
  2. BIron-deficiency anaemia
  3. CEssential hypertension of ageing
  4. DHypothyroidism
6.Medium

After varicose vein surgery, which advice is usually given?

  1. AAvoid all walking until the bruising has gone
  2. BWear the compression stockings as advised and walk regularly
  3. CStand still for long periods to help the veins heal
  4. DStay in bed for two weeks with the legs hanging down
7.Hard

A patient taking ramipril and indapamide for hypertension starts regular ibuprofen for back pain. A week later, creatinine has risen sharply. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AAn allergic reaction to the diuretic causing inflammation of the kidney
  2. BBack pain causing kidney damage
  3. CAn ACE inhibitor, diuretic and NSAID together reducing kidney perfusion
  4. DIbuprofen raising the blood pressure to levels that damage the kidneys
8.Hard

An 82-year-old with community-acquired pneumonia is newly confused, with RR 32/min, BP 88/52 mmHg and urea 9 mmol/L. What does this indicate?

  1. AA CURB-65 score of 1: suitable for oral antibiotics at home
  2. BA CURB-65 score of 3: routine admission to a general ward only
  3. CA normal response to infection in an older adult
  4. DA CURB-65 score of 5: high risk needing urgent senior review

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Below the right collarbone and on the left side below the armpit
  2. 2. C · Deep, rapid breathing in response to metabolic acidosis
  3. 3. A · Sharp pain that worsens on breathing in or coughing
  4. 4. B · Bilevel NIV adds a higher inspiratory pressure, helping remove CO₂
  5. 5. A · Primary hyperaldosteronism
  6. 6. B · Wear the compression stockings as advised and walk regularly
  7. 7. C · An ACE inhibitor, diuretic and NSAID together reducing kidney perfusion
  8. 8. D · A CURB-65 score of 5: high risk needing urgent senior review

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.