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.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which test is used to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

  1. AA resting 12-lead ECG
  2. BA plain chest X-ray
  3. CAn abdominal ultrasound scan
  4. DA peak expiratory flow test
2.Easy

What is a pneumothorax?

  1. AFluid in the alveoli caused by heart failure
  2. BPus collecting in the pleural space
  3. CInflammation of the lung tissue caused by infection
  4. DAir in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse
3.Easy

What is bronchiectasis?

  1. APermanent widening of the bronchi with chronic sputum
  2. BA brief spasm of the airways that fully reverses with treatment
  3. CDestruction of the alveolar walls with air trapping
  4. DA tumour of the main bronchus
4.Medium

A woman had lymph nodes removed from her left armpit for breast cancer. Which advice helps reduce the risk of lymphoedema?

  1. AAvoid BP cuffs and injections on the left arm where possible
  2. BUse only the left arm for heavy lifting to build up its muscles
  3. CApply tight jewellery to the left wrist
  4. DKeep the left arm hanging down and as still as possible all day
5.Medium

A chest drain water-seal chamber bubbles continuously, even when the patient is not coughing. What does this suggest?

  1. AThe lung has fully re-expanded and the drain is ready to remove
  2. BAn air leak from the lung or from the drainage system
  3. CThe suction source has been switched off
  4. DThe drain is blocked by a clot in the tubing
6.Medium

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. BNephrotic syndrome with protein lost in urine
  3. CLiver cirrhosis with a low albumin
  4. DPneumonia or cancer affecting the pleura
7.Hard

A nurse looked after a patient for a shift before smear-positive pulmonary TB was diagnosed, without wearing a respirator. What should happen?

  1. AReport it so occupational health can arrange follow-up screening
  2. BStay off work for six months in case symptoms develop
  3. CStart a full six-month course of TB drugs at once without any tests
  4. DTake no action, as healthcare workers are immune to TB
8.Hard

A nurse teaches a patient how to measure blood pressure at home. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I will rest quietly for five minutes before measuring."
  2. B"I will take two readings and write them both down."
  3. C"I will sit with my back supported and my arm at heart level."
  4. D"I will measure it straight after my morning jog."

Answer key

  1. 1. C · An abdominal ultrasound scan
  2. 2. D · Air in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse
  3. 3. A · Permanent widening of the bronchi with chronic sputum
  4. 4. A · Avoid BP cuffs and injections on the left arm where possible
  5. 5. B · An air leak from the lung or from the drainage system
  6. 6. D · Pneumonia or cancer affecting the pleura
  7. 7. A · Report it so occupational health can arrange follow-up screening
  8. 8. D · "I will measure it straight after my morning jog."

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