Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

What is an aneurysm?

1. AA tear in the inner lining of a vein
2. BAn abnormal bulging of a weakened artery wall
3. CA complete blockage of an artery by plaque
4. DA blood clot in a deep vein

On spirometry, what is the forced vital capacity (FVC)?

1. AThe volume of air blown out in the first second of the test only
2. BThe volume of one normal resting breath
3. CThe volume of air that is left in the lungs after breathing out
4. DThe total volume blown out forcefully after a full breath in

Which drug reverses the effect of unfractionated heparin?

1. AVitamin K (phytomenadione)
2. BNaloxone
3. CFlumazenil
4. DProtamine sulfate

A patient on warfarin has started eating large spinach and kale salads every day. What is the main concern?

1. AThere is no interaction between food and warfarin
2. BGreen vegetables damage the liver on warfarin
3. CThe extra vitamin K may raise the INR
4. DThe extra vitamin K may lower the INR

Which patient is most typical of a primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

1. AAn older woman with long-standing heart failure
2. BA child with a viral sore throat
3. CA middle-aged woman with high blood pressure
4. DA tall, thin young man who smokes

Why should chest drain tubing generally not be clamped?

1. AClamping permanently weakens and cracks the tubing
2. BTrapped air can build up and cause a tension pneumothorax
3. CClamping makes the fluid drain out of the chest much too quickly
4. DClamping causes the water in the seal to evaporate

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 normal response to infection in an older adult
3. CA CURB-65 score of 5: high risk needing urgent senior review
4. DA CURB-65 score of 3: routine admission to a general ward only

A patient with a confirmed calf DVT has started therapeutic anticoagulation and asks whether they must stay in bed. What is the most accurate answer?

1. AStrict bed rest is needed for at least two weeks
2. BWalking as tolerated is usually encouraged once treated
3. CWalking is not allowed until the clot has fully dissolved
4. DThe leg should be massaged before each walk