Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Which side effect of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) is most common?

1. ADry cough
2. BAnkle swelling
3. CConstipation
4. DHeadache

When should a sputum sample for culture ideally be collected in suspected pneumonia?

1. AAfter three days of antibiotic treatment
2. BAt any time, because antibiotics do not affect cultures
3. CBefore the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it
4. DOnly if there is no improvement after a week

How should glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) sublingual tablets be stored?

1. ALoose in a pocket or a plastic pill box for easy access
2. BIn the fridge, mixed in one bottle with their other tablets
3. CIn their original container, away from heat and light
4. DIn direct sunlight on the windowsill

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

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

The telemetry monitor suddenly shows a chaotic waveform resembling ventricular fibrillation, but the patient is talking and brushing their teeth. What should the nurse do first?

1. AGive IV amiodarone as a bolus
2. BCheck the patient and the electrodes, as this is likely artefact
3. CStart chest compressions straight away and call the arrest team
4. DDeliver an immediate defibrillation shock before checking anything

Which features best describe an arterial leg ulcer?

1. APainful, pale, punched-out ulcer on the toes with weak foot pulses
2. BWeeping ulcer on the shin with pitting oedema of the leg
3. CPainless ulcer under the ball of the foot with thick callus around it
4. DShallow, moist ulcer above the inner ankle with brown skin

During CPR on an adult, a nurse notices a colleague compressing at about 140/min and leaning on the chest between compressions. Which correction is most appropriate?

1. ASlow to 100–120/min and allow full chest recoil
2. BPress more gently, to a depth of about 2 cm
3. CSpeed up to about 160/min to improve the blood flow
4. DStop compressions until a pulse is felt

A patient with COPD is going home on long-term oxygen. Which teaching point is most important for safety?

1. AUse petroleum jelly to soothe dry nostrils
2. BNever smoke or allow open flames near the oxygen
3. CTurn the flow up as high as needed when breathless
4. DStore spare cylinders next to the cooker