Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

What does a "reliever" inhaler do in asthma?

1. AIt reduces the airway inflammation steadily over several weeks
2. BIt kills bacteria in the airways
3. CIt relaxes the airway muscles quickly to ease symptoms
4. DIt thins the mucus over several days

What does "pleuritic" chest pain mean?

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

Which two conditions are included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

1. AAsthma and pneumonia
2. BEmphysema and chronic bronchitis
3. CPulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis
4. DBronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis

A patient with peripheral arterial disease has leg pain at night. Which position may ease it?

1. AWrapping the legs in compression bandages
2. BHanging the legs down over the side of the bed
3. CApplying a hot water bottle directly to the feet
4. DRaising the legs on pillows above heart level

Why is intravenous furosemide given slowly rather than as a rapid push of a large dose?

1. ARapid doses cause severe constipation
2. BSlow injection makes the urine output larger
3. CRapid high doses can damage hearing
4. DRapid doses cause the potassium level to rise

A patient has exercise-induced asthma. Which advice is most appropriate?

1. AUse the reliever inhaler shortly before exercise and warm up
2. BAvoid all forms of exercise permanently to prevent attacks
3. CExercise only in cold, dry air to toughen the airways
4. DTake a beta-blocker before exercise

A patient on an unfractionated heparin infusion has a nosebleed that will not stop, and the aPTT is far above the target range. What is the most appropriate action?

1. AStop the infusion, inform the prescriber and anticipate protamine
2. BIncrease the infusion, as the aPTT will settle
3. CContinue the infusion at the same rate and pack the nose firmly
4. DGive vitamin K and continue the infusion at a slightly lower rate

A patient taking warfarin for AF falls and hits their head. An hour later they are drowsy and have vomited. What is the priority?

1. AEncourage sleep and check observations at the next routine time
2. BUrgent escalation for CT of the head and anticoagulant reversal
3. CGive paracetamol (acetaminophen) and a light meal
4. DWithhold tonight's warfarin and review tomorrow